^^'-jt.v^-oi^x^rvM.  ^'^Cc^f'^yyvQ 


THE 


HOMCEOPATHIC 


Domestic  Physician. 


CONSTANTINE  HERING,  M.D. 


SEVENTH  AMERICAN  EDITION. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

F.  E.  BOERICKE, 

Hahnemann  Publishing  Ho\ 


KXT4 

DIOUOGY 

LIBRARy 

G 


'  Jhe  greatest  triumph  of  a  ^cience  is  when  it  becomes 

THE  COMMON  property  OF  THE  PEOPLE  AND  THUS 
CONTRIBUTES  TO  THE  COMMON  WEAL." 


Copyrighted  by  Theresa  Hering,  1883. 
IN  MEMORfAM       ,  ^ 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE. 


Not  long  before  the  deatli  of  the  L"»monte(l  author  of  tliis  work, 
the  correction  of  the  hist  English  edition,  now  for  some  years  out 
of  Y>vh\t,  was  undertaken  by  his  daughters,  Mrs.  J.  Foster  Pope 
and  Mrs.  Dr.  C.  B.  Knerr.  They  compared  it,  page  by  page,  with 
the  latest  German  edition  (the  fourteenth),  which  had  but  a  short 
time  previously  been  subject  to  a  thorough  revision  at  Dr.  Her- 
ing's  hands.  Some  material  was  eliminated,  and  considerable 
matter  was  added  from  the  German. 

The  present  editor,  a  former  assistant  of  Dr.  Hering,  under- 
took, at  his  desire,  the  task  of  superintending  the  publication  of 
the  work.  Some  additions  to  the  text  have  been  made,  a  few 
remedies  introduced,  and,  at  times,  slight  alterations  in  the  ar- 
rangement effected,  but  the  well-known  views  of  the  author  have 
been  respected  in  whatever  has  been  done,  but  for  unavoidable 
reasons,  the  Issue  of  the  present  edition  has  been  delayed  until 
this  time. 

For  the  table  of  contents  and  the  very  complete  index,  the 
editor  is  indebted  to  the  careful  labors  of  Dr.  L.  J.  Knerr. 

CLAUDE  R.  NORTON,  M.D. 


Philadelphia,  January,  1883. 


922804 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Preface 3 

Introduction 15 

Directions  for  Prescribing 16 

Administration  of  the  Medicines  and  Repetition  of  Doses 18 

Regimen  of  the  Sick  during  Homoeopathic  Treatment 21 

Instructions  for  Patients  how  to  communicate  tlieir  cases  to  a  Physi- 
cian by  letter 25 

List  of  Medicines 32 


PART  FIRST. 

OF  THE  MOST  COMMON  CAUSES  OF  DISEASE. 

Chapter  I. — Affections  of  the  Mind. 

Sudden  Emotions 3/t 

Grief  and  Sorrow 3G 

Vexation      38 

Anger 40 

Sensitiveness  and  Irritability 40 

Chapter  II.— Consejucnces  of  Colds. 

Remarks      42 

Catarrh 43 

Cough 44 

Difficulty  of  Breatliing 45 

Diarrhcea 45 

Pain  in  the  Bowels 46 

(5) 


b  CONTENTS. 

Headaclie 47 

Afieotionsofthe  Eyes 47 

Afiettiuns  of  the  Ears 47 

Toothache 48 

Sore  Throat 48 

Nausea  and  Vomiting 49 

Rheumatic  Pains 4'J 

Chapter  III. — Consequences  of  Overheaiing,  immoderate  Exertion  and 
great  Exhaualion. 

Overlieating 52 

Siin-strokes 52 

Headache 5o 

Piarrlicea 54 

Fatigue 54 

Sitting  up  at  Night 57 

Confinement  and  much  Mental  Application 58 

Excesses , 58 

Loss  of  Fluids 60 

Chapter  IV. — Consequences  of  Surfeiting  and  Disordered  Stomach. 

Remarks      60 

Overfeeding  of  Children C2 

Headache G3 

Vomiting 64 

Flatulency 65 

Colic 65 

Diarrhoea 65 

Sleeplessness 66 

Niglitmare 66 

Fever 66 

Rash 66 

Indisposition  from  Ice  or  Cold  Water 66 

Chapter  V. — Consequences  of  Spirittious  Liquors,  Coffee,  Tea,  Tobacco, 
Acids,  etc. 

Intoxication 69 

Effects  of  Intoxication 72 

Delirium  Tremens 73i 

Bad  effects  of  Coffee 74 

Eflects  of  Tea  Drinking 75 

Effects  of  Smoking  Tobacco .  75 

Injurious  effects  of  Sour  Food 76 


CONTENTS.  7 

Chapter  XL— Effects  of  hjuriom  Drugs  in  general  me,  and  licmedies 
to  counteract  them. 

Remarks 77 

Effects  of  Herb  Teas 77 

"          Opium  or  Laudanum,  Mori)liine 77 

"          Hydrate  of  ChlonU 7« 

"          Peruvian  Bark  or  Quinine 78 

"          otiier  Drugs 79 

"          Magnesia 80 

"          Sulphur  and  Iodine 80 

"          Mercury      81 

"          Lead 82 

"          Arsenic 83 

"          Iron 83 

Chapter  V^II. — Adulteralions  and  Poisons. 

Kemarlcs      84 

Adulteration  of  Wine 84 

"                 Vinegar 86 

"                 Malt  Liquors 86 

"                 Brandy 87 

"                 Sweet  Oil ;   .    .    .    .  87 

"                 Milk 87 

"                 Butter      87 

"                 Flour 87 

"                 Bread 87 

Poisons  in  the  Air 88 

Poisons  in  the  Water 89 

Milk 89 

Meat .' 89 

Vegetables  and  Fruits 90 

Mushrooms 91 

Kitchen  Salt 91 

Kitchen  Utensils 91 

Paints 92 

Cosmetics  and  Washes 93 

Panaceas  and  Vermifuges 94 

Chapter  VI II. — Of  Poisoning. 

What  is  to  be  done  in  cases  of  Poisoning 96 

Treatment  when  the  Poison  is  a-scertained 102 

Poisonous  Gases;  Antidotes  and  Treatment 103 

Poisoning  by  mineral  and  other  strong  Acids;   Antidotes  and 

Treatment 107 


8  CONTENTS. 

Alkaline  Poisons;  Antidotes  and  Treatment 108 

Other  Substances  which  have  a  powerful  eflect;  Antidotes  and 

Treatment 108 

Metallic  Substances ;  Antidotes  and  Treatment 110 

Vegetable  Poisons ;  Antidotes  and  Treatment 112 

Animal  Poisons;  Antidotes  and  Treatment 114 

Poison  generated  by  Disease  of  any  kind 116 

Poisoned  Wounds 117 

Table  of  Antidotes  to  the  most  powerful  Poisons 122 

Chapter  IX. — External  Injuries. — Concusswn,  Bruises,  Sprains,  Dislo- 
cations, Fractures,  etc. 

Concussion  of  the  Brain 123 

Overlifting      124 

False  Steps 125 

Bruises  (Contused  Wounds) 125 

Bruises  of  the  Eyes 126 

Shocks  and  Bruises  of  the  Head 126 

Sprains 126 

Dislocations,  Luxations 127 

Fractures 127 

Wounds 128 

Bums  and  Scalds 135 

Frost-bites 138 

Chapter  X. — Foreign  Substances  introduced  into  the  Human  Body. 

Into  the  Eye 139 

"         Ear 140 

"        Nose      141 

"        Throat  (CEsophagus) 141 

"        Stomach  and  Intestines 144 

Larynx  or  Windpipe 145 

Skin     147 


PART  SECOND. 

TREATMENT  OF  DISEASES. 

Chapter  I.— Affections  of  the  Head. 

GicUliiiess,  Vertigo 149 

Weakness  of  Memory 1.50 

Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Head 1.51 

Headuclie 1.53 

"  from  Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Head 153 

"  caused  by  Catarrh 154 

"  from  Rheumatism 155 

"  "      Disordered  Stomach  and  Bowels 156 

"  "     Constipaticm 156 

Sick  Headache 157 

Nervous  Headache 160 

Headadie  caused  by  Suppression  of  Rlieumatism,  Gout,  etc.    .    .  164 

Losing  the  Hair 165 

Chapter  II. — Diseases  of  the  Eyes. 

General  Remarks 166 

Inflamma'tion  and  swelling  of  the  Eyelids 167 

Stye  on  the  Eyelid 169 

Inflammation  of  the  Eyes 170 

Eyes  affected  by  Scrofula 172 

Weakness  of  Sight,  with  Remarks  on  the  Use  of  Spectacles      .    .  175 

Short-Sightedness 175 

Far-sightedness 176 

Attacks  of  Blindness 177 

Dread  of  Light 178 

Squinting  of  Children 178 

Chapter  Ul.~AffeclioTis  of  the  Ears. 

Eruptions 179 

Mumps 179 

Inflammation  of  tlie  Ear 180 

Earache 181 

Running  of  the  Ears 183 

Buzzing  in  the  Ears 185 

Hardness  of  Hearing 186 


10  CONTENTS. 

Chapter  IV. — Affections  of  the  Nose. 

Pains  and  Eruptions 188 

Swelling  of  the  Nose 188 

Bleeding  of  the  Nose 189 

Ozaena       191 

Catarrh  or  Cold  in  the  Head 191 

Chapter  V. — Affections  of  the  Chest. 

Hoarseness 194 

Cough 19lj 

Whooping  Cough 2U(> 

Croup 210 

Congestion  of  the  Chest 214 

Hemorrhage  from  the  Lungs;  Spitting  of  Blood 214 

Bronchitis,  including  Catarrh  on  the  Breast  of  Children   ....  219 

Palpitation  of  the  Heart 222 

Asthma 224 

Pleurisy,  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs  and  Stitch  in  the  Side     .    .  228 

False  Pleurisy,  Stitch  in  the  Side 228 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs 230 

Consumption  of  the  Lungs 232 

Chapter  VI. — Affections  of  the  Throat. 

Sore  Throat  or  Quinsy 233 

Chapter  VII. — Affections  of  the  Teeth  and  the  Face. 

Toothache 238 

Swelled  Face 261 

Faceache,  Neuralgia,  Tic  Douloureux 2G2 

Chapter  VIII. — Affections  of  the  Mouth. 

Bad  Taste  in  the  Mouth 264 

OflTensive  Breath 26.5 

Scurvy  in  the  Mouth,  Canker  of  the  Mouth      26.5 

Afiections  of  the  Tongue 267 

Chapter  IX. — Affections  of  the  Stomach. 

Want  of  Appetite 268 

Weakness  of  the  Stomach,  Dyspepsia,  Indigestion 269 

Catarrh  of  the  Stomach 273 

Heartburn,  Water-brash 274 

Nausea  and  Vomiting 275 


CONTENTS.  11 

Sea-Siokness -"() 

Pains  or  Spasms  in  ihc  .Stuniaili 277 

CuAPTKR  X. — Affections  of  the  Abdomen. 

C\ili.' 282 

Flatulency 2S7 

Inllamniation  of  tlie  Stomach  and  Intestines 2S8 

Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Abdomen 292 

Worms      2'J2 

Itching  of  the  Anus 294 

Prolapsus  Ani,  Prolapsus  of  the  Kectum 290 

Hemorrhoids,  or  Pile-s 297 

Diarrhaa 301 

Dysentery 307 

Common  Cholera,  Cliolera  Morbus 310 

Asiatic  (or  Epidemic)  Cholera 312 

Constipation 31-1 

Inflammation  of  the  Liver,  Pains  in  tlic  Liver 318 

Jaimdice       319 

Involuntary  Emission  of  Urine. 320 

Difficulty  and  Pain  in  making  Water 320 

Passing  of  Bloody  Drine 322 

Hernia,  Rupture 323 

Chapter  XL— Disease.?  nf  Women. 

Menstruation  (the  Monthly  Sickness) 324 

Tardy  Menstruation 32) 

Suppression  of  the  Menses 327 

Too  Copious  Menstruaticm 329 

Painful  Menstruation,  Menstriud  Colic 330 

Clilorosis,  Green  Sickness 332 

Cessation  of  the  Menses 338 

Leucorrhoea,  Whites      331 

Remarks  on  Pregnancy 33o 

Derangements  during  Pregnancy 33() 

Menstruation 337 

Vertigo  and  Headache 337 

Morning  Sickness 339 

Constipati.m 340 

Diarrhoea .340 

Pruritus,  Itching 340 

Fainting  and  Hysterical  Fits 34^1 

Toothache 341 

Varicose  Veins 342 


12  CONTENTS. 

Derangements  during  Pregnancy, 

Hemorrhoids  or  Piles 343 

Pains  in  the  Back  and  Side  during  Pregnancy 343 

Cramps 343 

Incontinence  of  Urine 343 

Depression  of  Spirits 344 

Miscarriage,  Abortion 344 

Menorrliagia  or  Flooding 347 

Preparation  of  the  Breasts 349 

False  Pains      349 

Labor,  Child-Birth 351 

Protracted  Labor 351 

Spasmodic  Pains,  Cramps  and  Convulsions 353 

Treatment  after  Delivery 354 

Flooding  after  Delivery 354 

After-Pains      354 

Duration  of  Confinement 355 

Irregularities  of  the  Lochial  Discharge 356 

Milk  Fever      357 

Suppressed  Secretion  of  Milk 358 

Excessive  Secretion  of  Milk 358 

Involuntary  Emission  of  Milk 358 

Diarrhoea  during  Confinement 359 

Constipation 359 

Retention  of  Urine 360 

Sore  Nipples 360 

Gathered  Breasts 360 

Weakness  from  Nursing 361 

Fallingoffof  the  Hair 361 


Chapter  XII. —  Treatment  of  Infants. 

Reception  at  Birtli 362 

Apparent  Death      362 

Washing  the  Child 363 

Dressing  tlie  Navel 363 

The  Meconium 364 

Swelling  and  Elongation  of  the  Head 364 

Putting  the  Child  to  the  Breast 364 

Inflammation  of  the  Eyes 365 

Obstruction  of  the  Nose,  "Sniffles" 366 

Sore  Moutli,  Thrush 366 

Sore  Throat 367 

Jaundice 367 

Excoriation 368 


CONTENTS.  13 

The  Gum 368 

Ketentioii  of  Urine 308 

Constipatiun 309 

Diarrhuja 369 

Colic 370 

Swelling  of  the  Breasts 371 

Crying  of  Infants 37 1 

Restlessness  and  Wakefulness 372 

Hiccouglx 373 

Scurf  on  tlie  Head      373 

Milk-crust 373 

Scald  Head,  Ringworm  on  tlie  Scalp 374 

Spasms  or  Convulsions 375 

Dentition,  Teething 377 

Summer  Complaint,  Cholera  Infantum 379 

Rupture  of  the  Navel,  Umbilical  Hernia 382 

Discliarge  from  the  Ears 382 

Heat  Spots,  "Prickly  Heat" 382 

Whites  or  Leucorrhoea  of  Children 383 

Weaning 383 

Limping,  Lameness 384 

Stuttering 384 

Squinting 384 

Wetting  the  Bed 384 

Vaccination 387 

Chapter  XIII. — Eruptive  Fevers. 

Rasli 392 

Measles 393 

Scarlet  Fever,  Scarlatina 395 

Scarlet  Rash 398 

Chicken-Pox   .• 398 

Small-Pox 398 

Varioloi.1 400 


Chapter  XIV. — Diseases  of  the  Skin. 

Itching  of  the  Skin 400 

Itch,  Scabies 401 

Roseola 402 

Nettle  Rash,  Urticaria 402 

Erysipelas,  St.  Anthony's  Fire,  Rose, 404 

Boil,  Furuncle 405 

Carbuncle,  Malignant  Furuncle 406 


14  CONTENTS. 

Wliitlow,  Felon 407 

Ulcers 407 

Ingrowing  Toe  Xails 408 

Abscess 409 

Chilblain,  Frost-bite 410 

Corns 410 

Sore  Feet 411 

Warts 411 

Bedsores 411 

Chapter  XV. — Some  General  Diseases. 

Gout 411 

Inflammatorv  Rheumatism 412 

Lumbago,  Pain  in  tlie  Loins  and  Back 414 

Sciatica 41. 'J 

AVry  Week 415 

Cramp  in  the  Limbs 4U'> 

Epilepsy,  Epileptic  Convulsions 410 

>Jight-Mare ' 417 

Sleeplessness 417 

Dropsy      418 

Ague,  Chills  and  Fever,  Fever  and  Ague,  Intermittent  Fever     .  41S 

Congestive  or  Pernicious  Fever,  Kemittent  or  Bilious  Fever    .    .  4;iO 

Typhoid  Fever 431 

Yellow  Fever 4:!l! 

Fainting,  Swooning 438 

Apparent  Death 439 

from  Hunger      439 

"     a  Fall 440 

"             "             "      Suflbcaticm  by  Hanging,  Pressure,  Chok- 
ing    .    .' 440 

"  "  "      Drowning      441 

"  "  "      being  Frozen 4J2 

"      Lightning 444 

"  "  "      Mental  Emotion,  Bad  Uases,  and  oilier 

Causes 444 

Apoplexy 445 

Diphtheria,  Diphtheritis 446 


INTRODUCTION. 


This  book  is  intended  to  be  a  guide,  by  the  aid  of  which,  in 
many  cases  of  disease,  a  cure  may  be  effected  with  homoeopathic 
medicines.  Those  whom  experience  has  convinced  of  the  ad- 
vantages of  the  system  of  Hahneviann,  will  soon  learn  how  to 
make  use  of  it ;  and  to  those  who  have  had  no  opportunity  of 
testing  the  merits  of  homoeopathy,  it  will  give  a  chance  of  trying 
it,  instead  of  the  so-called  domestic  remedies. 

It  is  intended  to  be  an  adviser  in  many  cases  of  indisposi- 
tion, when  one  will  not  or  cannot  consult  a  physician.  To  per- 
sons living  in  the  country,  it  will  prove  valuable,  when  medical 
aid,  especially  at  night,  is  only  to  be  had  at  the  cost  of  much 
trouble,  delay  and  expense ;  with  however  this  guide  at  hand, 
relief  may  be  obtained  in  many  cases  of  disease. 

As  this  work  is  intended  for  the  great  mass  of  the  community, 
and  to  make  the  homoeopathic  doctrines  intelligible  and  useful 
to  all,  the  author  has  tried  to  express  himself  with  distinctness 
and  simplicity,   in  order  to   be  generally  comprehended.     This 
common-place,  familiar  style  may,  to  a  certain  extent,  enable  a 
great  many  to  prescribe  for  themselves.     But  the  contents  of 
tills  book  can  make  no  one  a  homoeopathic  physician.     It  has  I 
been  said  by  the  opponents  of  our  doctrine,  that  an  acquaintance  1 
with  the  old  system  of  medicine  was  unnecessary  to  a  homoeo-  i 
]i:ithic  physician:   but  this  is  a  great  error.     No  one  can  be  a 
successful  disciple  of  Hahnemann,  who  is  not  well  versed,  u'! 
Hahnemann  himself  was,  in  the  learning  of  the  medical  schools ; 
;uid  it  would  be  just  as  impossible  for  him  to  act  judiciously  with-   ' 
nut  a  knowledge  of  anatomy,  physiology,  pathology,  surgery,  and 
materia  medica,  together  with  chemistry  and  botany,  as  for  a  | 
man,  ignorant  of  navigation  and  seamanship,  to  carry  a  vessel 
with  safety  into  port. 

If,  in  _^iving  this  work  to  the  public,  the  author  can  aid  in 
d-iving  froTnnnmmon  use  the  ao-calledjiomestic  remedies,  such 
-^  (15) 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

'  as  chamomile,  koarlioind  and  other  teas,  paregoric,  Epsom-salts, 
DWgnesmj&.pdtljQ  whole  host  of  so-called  simple  remedies,  aud 
also  all-tliefio'StruhMw' pdte'ut  medicines,  some  of  which  are  to 
be  found  in  almost  every  nursery,  and  the  habitual  use  of  which 
is  such  a  prolific  cause  of  innumerable  drug-diseases,  he  will  have 
accomplished  the  chief  object  of  its  publication,  and  have  substi- 
tuted for  an  irrational  and  pernicious  practice,  a  judicious  and 
rational  one. 


DIRECTIONS  FOR  PRESCRIBING. 

Examine  the  table  of  contents,  until  you  find  the  chapter  where 
the  complaint  is  spoken  of  for  which  you  wish  to  have  advice. 
Do  not  look  for  the  common  name  only  which  may  be  given  to 
such  a  complaint  by  the  Old  School  doctors.  Most  of  these  names 
are  calculated  to  mislead ;  but  look  for  the  principal  symptoms 
of  which  the  patient  complains.  In  order  to  facilitate  this  as 
much  as  possible  the  work  is  divided  into  two  parts ;  the  first 
treats  of  the  most  common  causes  of  disease;  the  second,  of 
diseases  occurring  most  frequently  in  the  diflcrent  parts  of  the 
body.  Therefore,  when  the  cause  of  sickness  is  obvious,  or 
probable,  first  examine  what  is  said  of  it  in  Part  I. ;  then  see 
what  is  said  of  the  disease  in  Part  II.  The  latter  are  treated  of 
in  regular  succession,  commencing  with  the  head,  neck,  chest,  and 
so  on  downward,  enumerating  under  each  head  the  disease  to 
which  that  part  is  principally  subject,  and  concluding  with 
General  Diseases. 

By  bearing  this  arrangement  in  mind,  the  reader  will  readily 
find  what  he  may  desire.  Suppose  for  instance  a  case  of  cold 
attended  with  headache  and  diarrhoea;  lopk  first  for  "Cold"  in 
the  first  part,  chapter  second;  then  for  "Headache"  in  the 
second  part,  chapter  first;  then  for  "Diarrhoea"  in  the  same, 
chapter  tenth.  If  a  person  is  taken  sick,  and  the  direct  cause 
is  not  perceptible,  but  the  patient  complains  of  pains  in  various 
parts  of  the  body,  examine  the  afiections  to  which  these  several 
parts  are  subject;  thus  you  will  readily  find  the  remedy  appli- 
cable. 

There^.are  often  several  causes,  and  one  ren;edy  is^not  suitable 
for  them  all;  in  this  case  give  one  remedy  after  another;  select 


INTRODUCTION.  17 

first  one  for  the  tvorst  sympioms,  ot  still  better,  for  the  symptoms 
\vhichjij)£eaiWjIas<[~or~T^  cause  which  acted  last.  One,  who 
has  taken  cold,  will  easily  get  his  stomach  out  of  order;  one, 
whose  stomach  is  disordered,  will  easily  take  cold.  Consider  then 
first,  the  last  cause  as  the  more  important  one. 

Always  give  but  one  remedy,  and  only  when  this  does  no  mure 
good,  another  one^ 

When  the  patient  appears  to  suffer  from  several  complaints  at 
the  same  time,  it  is  well  to  ascertain  and  note  down  all  the 
symptoms,  without  referring  to  the  book,  lest  the  patient  may 
state  something  different  from  what  is  really  the  case,  and 
thereby  lead  to  the  ajDplication  of  an  improper  remedy.  Having~N 
thus  accurately  noted  the  complaints  of  the  patient,  inquire/ 
minutely  then  into  all  the  attending  circumstances.  1st.  The) 
precise  locality  of  the  pain.  2d.  Require  of  the  patient  a  de-r 
scription  of  the  pain,  and  to  what  it  may  be  compared — whether 
tearing,  cutting,  beating,  throbbing,  etc.     3d.     The  occasion  o\  ^ 

its  getting  worse  or  better,  according  to  the  time  of  day — morn- )  •-]/'W^ 
ing,  evening  or  night — to  the  state  of  the  weather,  whether 
damp,  cold  or  dry — to  the  position  of  the  body,  whether  when 
quiet  or  in  motion — whether  before  or  after  eating — after  sleep, 
when  touched,  pressed,  etc.  4th.  Note  the  combination  of  symp- 
toms, if  any ;  for  instance,  when  coughing  is  accompanied  with 
headache ;  or  headache  with  inclination  to  vomit ;  or  with  this  ; 
inclination,  shivering,  etc.  Having  written  down  these  observa- 
tions, look  then  into  the  book  for  the  principal  symptoms,  and 
you  may  find  the  proper  remedy. 

Examine  "  Instructions  for  patients  how  to  communicate  their 
cases  to  a  physician  by  letter,"  at  the  end  of  this  introduction. 
You  will  find  there  a  detailed  statement  of  all  questions  to  which 
answers  are  required,  and  upon  which  the  selection  of  a  real 
homoeopathic  remedy  depends.  This  is,  to  be  sure,  troublesome, 
but  you  can  have  no  success  without  it ;  if  you  succeed  without 
this  troublesome  examination,  it  is  by  chance,  not  by  skill.  If 
a  doctor  tells  you  that  he  is  so  learned  and  skillful,  that  he  can 
prescribe  without  these  questions,  that  he,  for  instance,  can  see 
by  the  eyes,  tongue,  etc.,  what  medicines  to  give,  he  is  a  deceiver, 
and  those  who  lielieve  in  him,  show  that  they  know  nothing 
whatever  of  true  homceopathv. 
2 


IS  INTRODUCTION. 

D.)  not  be  discouraged  because  of  the  difficulties  exjjerienced 
at  first  in  finding  a  suitable  remedy,  for  these  difficulties  will 
vanish  as  soon  as  you  become  familiar  with  the  book. 
I  If  you  give  the  wrong  remedy,  the  patient  will,  of  course,  not 
^et  better,  but  it  is  not  so  bad  as  under  the  Old  School  practice. 
\For  a  homoeopathic  medicine  will  relieve,  if  it  is  the  right  one, 
Ibut  if  it  is  not  the  right  one,  it  will  do  no  harm.  Usually  tkc 
'disease  remains  as  it  was,  sometimes  though  it  changes,  you  must 
look  then  into  the  book  for  a  more  suitable  remedy. 

You  can  do  harm  with  a  homoeopathic  remedy  only  if  you 
give  too  much  of  it  and  too  often,  or  if  you  give  too  many 
remedies,  one  after  the  other,  without  waiting  for  their  effects. 
Let  every  remedy  have  its  time  to  act,  as  is  often  stated  in  the 
book,  and  be  consistent  in  giving  nothing  else,  as  long  as  there 
is  the  slightest  improvement.  The  greatest  improvement  will 
often  take  place  without  any  other  remedies. 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  MEDICINES  AND  REPE- 
TITION OF  DOSES. 

The  medicines  may  either  be  administered  dry,  by  placing 
them  upon  the  tongue,  or  dissolved  in  water. 

In  most  cases,  four  or  five  globules  should  be  placed  dry  on 
the  tongue.  For  infants,  one  globule  will  be  amply  sufficient  for 
a  dose ;  if  the  tongue  is  dry  add  a  few  drops  of  water ;  even 
new-born  infants  are  able  to  swallow  that. 

'  Where  repeated  doses  of  the  medicine  at  short  intervals  arc 
required,  the  appropriate  remedies  should  be  administered  in 
soluti(jn  in  water.  For  this  purpose  take  a  clean  tumbler  which 
has  contained  nothing  but  milk  or  water,  else  you  must  rinse  it 
first  with  cold  and  afterwards  with  hot  water,  dry  and  heat  it  ou 
a  stove  as  much  as  the  glass  will  bear,  and  then  suffer  it  to  cool. 
Fill  it  half  full  of  water,  as  pure  as  you  can  get,  put  eight  or  ten 
globules — or  if  a  trituration,  as  much  as  will  lie  upon  the  point 
of  a  penknife — of  the  medicine  into  the  water,  and  mix  it 
thoroughly  by  repeatedly  pouring  it  from  one  tumbler  into 
another,  or  if  you  have  only  one  tumbler,  by  means  of  a  clean 
spoon.     Keep  the  tumbler  containing  the  medicine,  well  covered 


IXTRODUCTION.  19 

witli  a  saucer  or  piece  of  paper,  in  a  cool  jilace,  free  of  odors  of 
auy  kiud. 

Wheu  tlius  prepared,  a  dessertspoonful  to  adults,  or  a  teaspoon- 
ful  to  children  may  be  given  at  a  time.  In  acute  cases  the  medi- 
cine may  be  repeated  every  one,  two  or  three  hours;  but  in 
chronic  complaints  or  those  of  long  standing,  not  oftener  than 
once  or  twice  a-day. 

After  the  first  dose  of  every  medicine,  you  should  j\-atch.  closely 
to  observe  what_changes,  if  any,  take  place  in  the  patient.  In 
very  dangerous  and  painful  cases,  wait  from  ten  to  thirty  minutes ; 
in  other  serious  complaints,  one  to  two  hours  ;  and  in  chronic  cases 
one  to  two  days.  The  patient  is  then  either  better,  worse,  or  the 
same.  If  better,  give  nothing  more  as  long  as  the  improvement 
lasts.  If  a  sudden  improvement  ceases  as  suddenly,  and  the  case 
gets  worse,  give  another  dose ;  this  second  dose  may  in  some  cases 
be  followed  at  first  by  an  increase  of  the  complaint,  but  in  a  short 
time  by  a  more  decided  and  lasting  improvement. 

If  a  complaint  has  improved  from  a  remedy  given  for  its  cause, 
but  the  same  cause  has  again  occasioned  the  old  trouble,  give 
another  suitable  remedy.  For  instance,  if  the  bad  consequences 
of  a  fright  have  been  removed  by  Opium,  but  a  fresh  fright  has 
caused  the  same  symptoms,  give  Aconitum.  If  you  have  taken 
Bryonia  for  the  consequences  of  having  taken  cold,  and  have 
been  relieved  by  it,  but  a  fresh  cold  makes  you  worse  again, 
take  Aconitum. 

When  the  patient,  after  having  taken  the  medicine 
once,  or  oftener,  begins  to  feel  better,  however  little, 
he  should  discontinue  it,  lest  the  healthful  progress 
of  the  cure  be  interfered  with  by  taking  too  much; 
but  as  soon  as  the  improvement  ceases  the  same 
medicine  should  be  taken  again;  or  in  case  the  symp- 
toms have  altered,  another  more  appropriate  one. 

If  the  patient  is  worse  after  the  first  or  second  dose,  the  symp- 
toms are  either  the  same,  but  worse,  or  there  are  new  symptoms 
instead,  or  in  addition  to  the  former  ones.  If  the  latter  case, 
give  another  remedy,  but  if  the  former,  when  the  medicine  ag- 
gravates the  symptoms,  and  makes  the  patient  temporarily  worse, 
which  is,  nevertheless,  a  good  sign,  the  patient  should  cease  tak- 


20  INTRODUCTIOX. 

ing  it,  and  wait  for  the  effects.  Should  the  aggravation  be  vio- 
lent, it  may  be  relieved  by  smelling  camphor,  or  sweet  spirits  of 
nitre. 

It  happens  sometimes,  that  the  most  violent  pains  are  increased 
very  much  by  the  smallest  dose  of  the  suitable  remedy ;  in  such 
cases  give  a  spoonful  of  black  coffee,  and  as  soon  aS  the  aggra- 
vation has  ceased,  repeat  the  remedy,  if  made  worse  again,  repeat 
the  coffee,  and  so  on  until  the  improvement  is  permanent.  A 
homoeopathic  physician  of  the  right  stamp,  a  great  master,  wrote 
to  the  author,  that  he  has  given  in  this  Avay  with  the  greatest 
success,  Colocynthis  and  coffee  for  colic;  Pulsatilla  and  coffee 
for  rheumatic  pains  in  the  limbs;  and  Mercurius  and  coffee  for 
fkceache ;  in  the  last  ease  the  cure  was  complete  and  permanent 
only  after  the  fifteenth  dose. 

In  very  tedious  cases,  when  the  right  remedy  has  been  chosen 
and  given  in  but  one  dose,  and  when  the  patient,  after  a  short 
aggravation  of  the  symptoms,  commences  to  grow  better,  he 
will  sometimes,  in  a  few  days  or  a  week,  get  worse  again ;  he  who 
can  now  wait,  and  give  nothing  more,  will  witness  most  remarka- 
ble cures,  which  will  be  the  more  permanent  and  complete,  the 
less  they  have  been  interfered  with. 

If  the  beneficial  effects  of  the  medicine  are  interrupted,  or 
cease  entirely,  and  the  patient  grows  worse  in  consequence  of  tak- 
ing cold,  eating  improper  food,  etc.,  he  should  take  a  medicine 
to  counteract  the  cause  which  occasioned  this  interruption,  and 
then  asiain  the  medicine  which  he  had  previously  taken. 

With  regard  to  the  external  application  of  the  Tinctures  of 
Arnica,  Ruta,  etc.,  a  lotion  of  suificient  strength  for  most  pur- 
poses may  be  made  by  putting  five  or  six  drops  of  the  tincture 
in  half  a  tumbler  of  water.  It  may  be  applied  to  the  injured 
part  three  or  four  times  a  day,  or  as  often  as  mentioned  under 
each  particular  case. 

/  While  taking  homoeopathic  medicines,  strict  attention  should 
ine  paid  to  the  following  rules  of  diet. 


INTRODUCTION.  21 

REGIMEN  OF  THE  SICK  DURING  HOMCBOPATHIC 
TREATMENT. 

The  general  rule  to  be  observed  is,  that  jiatieuts  should  par- 
take of  light,  digestible,  nourishing  food  to  satisty  hunger;  and 
of  sueh  drink  as  nature  requires  to  allay  thirst ;  and  abstain  from 
everything  of  a  medicinal  or  injurious  nature. 

In  acute  or  febrile  diseases,  only  the  lightest  and  most  simple 
kinds  of  nutriment  are  proper,  viz. : 

Pure  cold  water  in  preference  to  all  other  drinks;  or  water 
with  the  addition  of  some  sugar,  raspberry  or  strawberry  syrups, 
or  (luinee  and  apple-jelly  prepared  without  spices.  Barley- 
water,  rice-water,  thin  oatmeal  gruel,  f)anada,  gum  Arabic  water, 
whey,  milk,  preparations  of  arrow-root,  sago,  tapioca,  semolina, 
or  tous-les-mois,  all  without  any  other  seasoning  than  a  little 
salt  or  loaf  sugar,  or  one  of  the  syrups  above-mentioned. 

Toast-water:  the  toast  should  be  made  from  stale  bread,  either 
home-made  or  from  bakers  who  make  use  of  neither  potash,  soda, 
or  alum ;  the  slices  ought  to  be  thin  and  thoroughly  toasted,  but 
not  too  brown,  and  never  black.  To  make  a  good  toast-water, 
j)our  boiling  water  on  the  toast  while  hot  and  let  it  stand. 

Ice-water  is  often  injurious  and  increases  the  thirst.  The 
water,  having  been  filtered  if  impure,  should  be  cooled  if  jjossi- 
ble  without  putting  the  ice  in  it.  Put  the  vessel,  containing  the 
water  to  be  cooled,  into  a  larger  vessel,  a  wooden  one  is  prefera- 
ble, which  contains  pieces  of  ice,  and  let  it  remain  till  suffi- 
ciently cold.  If  this  cannot  be  done,  put  a  lump  of  ice  in  the 
water  and  take  it  out  again  as  soon  as  the  water  is  cooled. 

Most  kinds  of  ripe,  succulent  fruits,  possessing  little  or  no 
acidity,  fresh  or  prepared  by  cooking,  and  eaten  in  moderation : 
as  ripe  grapes,  sweet  apples,  pears,  peaches,  raspberries. 

Some  kinds  of  dried  fruits :  as  apples,  quinces,  peaches  cher- 
ries, prunes,  dates,  figs,  etc. 

All  imported  dried  fruits,  raisins,  figs,  etc.,  should  be  washed 
before  using,  first  in  cold  and  afterwards  in  hot  water. 

Sweet  oranges  when  well  ripened  are  allowed,  but  all  decayed, 
spotted  and  sour  ones,  ought  to  be  avoided. 

With  regard  to  apricots,  nectarines,  plums,  gages,  watermelons 
and  cherries,  the  physician  should  be  consulted. 


J 


22  INTRODUCTION. 

No  fruit  whatever  should  be  used  iu  cases  of  colic,  diarrhoea, 
dysentery,  cholera,  and  in  croup,  not  even  iu  couvalesceuce. 

When  the  more  violent  symptoms  of  acute  disease  have  sub- 
sided, and  the  appetite  calls  for  more  substantial  food,  a  wider 
range  may  be  gradually  allowed  in  the  choice  of  aliment,  and 
all  the  articles  used  which  are  allowed  iu  chronic  or  long-con- 
tinued diseases,  viz. : 

All  kinds  of  light  and  not  too  fresh  bread,  and  plain  biscuit 
containing  no  potash,  soda,  alum  or  other  similar  ingredients; 
cakes  made  of  meal,  eggs,  sugar,  and  a  little  butter ;  arrow-root, 
rice  and  other  cakes  not  raised  with  fermenting  powders;  light 
puddings  and  dumplings  of  wheat,  rye,  Indian  meal,  rice,  tapioca, 
sago,  oatmeal  or  bread,  without  wines,  spices,  or  rich  sauces; 
hominy,  rice,  and  pearl  barley  boiled  with  water,  milk  or  soup. 

Potatoes,  turnips,  carrots,  beets,  salsify,  artichokes,  spinach, 
cabbage,  cauliflower,  green  peas,  or  beans,  the  green  pods  of  scar- 
let and  French  beans ;  and  in  some  cases  also,  asparagus,  mush- 
rooms, dried  peas,  beans,  lentils,  millet,  haricot  beans,  etc. 

Milk,  raw  or  boiled,  fresh  buttermilk,  whey,  milk  posset;  but 
care  should  be  taken  not  to  use  milk  from  unhealthy  cows. 

Ice-creams  with  the  syrup  of  strawberries  and  that  of  other 
allowed  fruits,  and  not  flavored  with  aromatics  nor  colored  with 
cochineal  or  injurious  drugs. 

Pure  chocolate  or  cocoa,  and  in  some  cases  weak  black  tea. 

Butter,  free  from  any  rancid  or  unusual  taste,  cream,  mild 
fresh  cheese,  milk  cheese,  curds,  and  other  simple  preparations 
of  milk ;  plain  custards,  pure  sweet  olive  oil. 

Raw  or  boiled  eggs  and  egg-tea,  except  in  diarrhoea. 

Soups  and  broths  of  animal  and  vegetable  substances  other- 
wise allowed,  seasoned  with  a  little  salt  only ;  beef  tea,  mutton 
broth  and  chicken  water,  after  having  been  boiled  for  at  least 
half  an  hour. 

Beef,  mutton,  all  kinds  of  tongues,  venison  and  wild  game,  the 
lean  part  of  ham,  pigeons,  chickens  and  turkeys;  the  latter  only 
iu  the  winter  season  and  not  in  all  cases. 

Cod,  haddock,  whiting,  sole,  turbot,  trout,  pike,  perch,  carp, 
mackerel,  herrings.  Salt  fish  may  be  taken  after  having  been 
well  soaked  iu  cold  water  before  it  is  used. 

Oysters,  raw,  roasted  in  the  shell,  or  boiled  in  soup. 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

Salt,  and  also  sugar  or  molasses,  may  be  used,  but  always  with 
great  moderation. 

Hliould  any  of  the  allowed  articles  of  diet  disagree  with  the 
patient,  on  account  of  some  constitutional  peculiarity,  or  the  na- 
ture of  the  disease,  they  should  be  avoided  by  him,  though  they 
may  be  perfectly  wholesome  for  others. 

The  patient  should  not  overload  his  stomach,  nor  oppress  it 
with  various  or  incongruous  dishes.  The  demands  of  the  appe- 
tite tor  solids  are  to  be  satisfied  at  stated  and  not  too  frequent 
periods,  and  at  no  other  tiiue. 

Regulariiy  in  the  time  of  eating  is  of  great  importance. 

Tlie  diet  of  children  at  the  breast  should  not  ordinarily  be 
champed  during  their  sickness;  but  in  such  cases  that  of  the 
mother  should  be  regulated  according  to  the  preceding  rules. 


ARTICLES  FORBIDDEN, 

Unless  espeeiaUy  allowed  by  the  Physician. 

The  flesh  of  all  young  animals,  and  particularly  veal ;  geese, 
tame  ducks;  the  liver,  lungs  or  tripe  of  animals;  turtles,  eels, 
crabs,  old  smoked  or  salt  meat,  sausages,  mince  pies,  strong  cheese, 
lard,  fat  pork,  roast  pig,  fried  and  pickled  oysters. 

Food  prepared  from  blood,  and  nmch  animal  fat. 

All  highly  seasoned  soups,  sauces,  pep{)erpot. 

Cakes  prepared  with  much  butter  or  with  aromaties ;  pastry, 
pies ;  honey,  and  all  kinds  of  colored  confectionery ;  all  kinds  of 
candies,  excepting  rock  and  barley  sugar. 

All  kimls  of  nuts,  and  fruits  not  mentioned  amongst  the  allowed 
articles. 

Vinegar  of  all  kinds,  salads  or  cucumbers  prepared  with  it; 
pickles  prepared  with  spices  or  greened  with  copper;  pai-snips, 
parsley,  celery,  radishes,  horse-radish,  garlic,  onions;  all  kinds  of 
pepper,  catsujis,  mustard,  saffron,  nutmeg,  ginger,  lemon  or  orange 
peel,  vanilla,  laurel  leaves,(^ter  almonds,' peach  kernels,  cloves, 
cinnamon,  allspice,  fennel,  aniseed,  sage, 'thyme,  mint,  etc. 

All  kinds  of  distilled  and  fermented  liquors;  coflee  and  green 
tea;  lemonade  and  drinks  prepared  with  acids. 

All  natural  and  artificial  mineral  waters. 


24  INTRODUCTION. 

Colored  toys,  if  the  colors  are  not  fixed,  are  on  all  occasions  to 
be  withheld  from  children,  also  vulcanised  gum  elastic  toys. 

All  perfumery,  particularly  musk,  hartshorn,  camphor,  paccioli, 
Eau  de  Cologne,  Eau  de  Luce,  or  other  aromatic  waters,  strong 
smelling  flowers,  cosmetics  and  scented  or  medicated  tooth-powder. 

Tobacco,  if  used  at  all,  should  be  used  very  moderately. 

Every  medicine,  excepting  those  prescribed  by  the  physician, 
ought  to  be  avoided ;  not  only  all  medicines  procured  at  the  shops, 
and  all  such  as  are  empirical,  but  every  description  of  domestic 
medicines,  as  all  manner  of  herb  teas,  syrups,  medicated  poultices 
and  irritating  or  medicinal  substances  applied  to  the  skin. 

Blood-letting  by  the  lancet,  or  by  leeches  and  cups,  and  laxa- 
tive injections,  except  of  those  of  cold  or  lukewarm  water,  are 
likewise  forbidden. 

Hot  baths  are  to  be  strictly  avoided,  especially  baths  impreg- 
nated with  herbs,  sulphur,  and  other  medicaments.  Tepid  or 
cold  sponging  baths,  or  rubbing  with  a  wet  towel,  may  be  used, 
by  most  patients  daily.  For  other  employments  of  cold  water 
the  advice  of  an  experienced  physician  must  be  sought. 

Linen,  cotton,  silk  or  leather,  worn  next  the  skin  is  preferable 
to  flannels,  excepting  for  persons  much  exposed  to  the  weather, 
or  for  little  children. 

The  patient  should,  if  possible,  use  moderate  exercise,  in  the 
open  air  for  an  hour  or  more  daily ;  and  his  chamber  should  be 
well  ventilated  every  day. 

Rooms  papered  with  yellow  paper,  or  stained  or  painted  yellow, 
and  yellow  transparent  window-shades  or  curtains  should  be  avoid- 
edj  the  beat  color  for  the  walls  of  a  sick  room  is  a  light  rose- 
color,  particularly  alternate  stripes  of  white  and  light  rose-color. 
The  window-shades  should  be  of  a  grayish  or  light  blue  tint. 

Physical  labor,  which  gives  the  mind  the  proper  direction  to 
usefulness,  while  it  exercises  the  body,  should  be  daily  used  in 
chronic  diseases  as  far  as  the  strength  will  allow  of  it. 

Homoeopathic  medicines  should  not  be  taken  too  soon  after 
eating;  and  for  about  an  hour  after  taking  them  the  patient  had 
better  abstain  from  eating  or  the  use  of  tobacco,  and,  if  possible, 
from  much  mental  or  bodily  exertion. 


INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  PATIENTS 

HOAY  TO  COMMUXICATE  THEIR  CASES  TO  A  PHY- 
SICLIN  BY  LETTER. 


The  patient  should  first  describe  his^omplaint  in  his  own  way, 
as  though  these  instructions  were  not  Ijefore  him,  viz. :  its  com- 
mencemeut,  progress  and  presumptive  causes.  The  age  and  sex 
of  the  initient,  and  whether  married  or  single,  should  of  course 
be  communicated  to  the  physician,  if  these  circumstances  be  not 
already  known.  It  would  be  well  to  mention  whether  the  patient 
is  of  large  or  small  stature,  meagre  or  stout,  feeble  or  robust. 
Whether  he  easily  takes  cold,  and  is  very  susceptible  to  other 
external  impressions.  Is  the  coniplexion  fltjrid,  or  pale,  or  dark? 
What  is  the  color  and  condition  of  the  Ijah-,  and  the  color  of  the 
eyes?  Concomitant  bodily  infirmities,  as  hernia  (rupture),  prolapse 
of  the  womb,  curvature  of  the  spine,  lameness,  etc.,  should  be 
made  known.  Is  the  dispc^ition  of  the  patient  mild  and  placable, 
or  boisterous  and  violent?  firm  or  yielding,  lively  and  conmiuni- 
cative,  or  reserved  and  taciturn ;  anxious,  apprehensive,  or  tim- 
orous, or  irritable,  etc.  ?  Are  his  mentaljgmotmns  of  long  continu- 
ance, or  are  they  very  transient? 

The  patient  is  next  required  to  give  an  accurate  atid  particular 
description-  of -the-incjdents  or  symptoms  of  his  disease,  such  as 
pains  and  other  morbid  sensations.  He  should  describe  precisely 
the  region  or  the  part,  and  on  which  side  of  the  body  fhoy  are 
seated,  and  how  large  is  the  space  they  occupy.  Whether  the 
pains  are  obtuse,  and  may  be  denominated  dull  or  pressing,  or 
whether  they  arc  sticking  or  piercing,  rending,  throbbing,  perfor- 
ating, pulling  or  drawing,  pinching,  snatching,  gnawing,  cutting, 
griping,  burning,  obtusely  prickling  or  crawling,  itching,  tickling, 
numb  or  as  if  the  part  were  asleep,  as  if  from  a  sprain  or  contusion, 
or  whether  they  consist  of  several  of  these  sensations  combined,  or 
may  be  more  aceurtitely  represented  by  other  terms. — Are  the 
(2,^) 


26  INSTRUCTIONS    FOE    PATIENTS. 

symptoms  continued,  or  do  they  remit  or  vary  in  intensity  from 
time  to  time?  Do  they-recm-  at  particular  times  of  day,  or  at 
certain  intervals  of  one  or  more  days?  Is  their  recurrenee,  aggra- 
vation, diminution  or  cessation  connected  with  tlie  exercise  of 
any  bodily  function?  Do  they  arise  or  disappear,  are  they  increased 
or  diminished  by  exercise,  or  during  rest,  by  lying  down  or  sitting, 
by  stretching,  or  bending  the  body,  by  walking,  standing,  warmth 
or  cold,  in  the  open  air  or  within  doors,  by  light,  noises,  talking, 
eating,  drinking  or  swallowing  sooii  after  eating,  by  the  motion 
of  the  aifected  part  or  by  touching  or  pressing  it,  by  mental 
emotion — fright,  anger,  during  bodily  or  mental  exercise,  reading, 
etc.,  etc. — Are-the-synrptoms  associaled— viith  anxiety  greater  or 
less?  jiiilhey^impair  the  powers  of  thought  or  recollection,  or  the 
due  exercise  of  the  senges^  (seeing,  hearing,  etc.) — Are  the 
motions  or  functions  of  the  affected  part  in  any  way  impaired  or 
disabled?  or  is  the  local  disease  associated  with  complaints  in 
other  parts,  and  with  what?  does  it  alternate  with  other  com- 
plaints? Is  the  affected  part  red  or  swollen?  Is  the  swelling  hard 
or  soft  or  painful  to  the  touch,  and  does  it  leave  an  indentation 
after  pressure  with  the  finger? 

During  the  sufferings  of  individual  parts  or  functions  of  the 
body^(even  when  these  functions  are  not  the  principal  ones) 
further  information  is  to  be  given  respecting  the  state  of.  the 
patient^s  mind;  whether  he  suffers  patiently,  or  is  inclined  to 
weep,  to  be  morose,  passionate,  despairing,  greatly  anxious  or 
fearful,  etc.,  or  whether  the  mind  is  remarkably  affected  in  these 
respects  by  the  disease.  Are  the  intellectual  functions,  power  of 
thought,  memory  or  desire  or  ability  for  mental  or  bodily  exer- 
cise weakened? — Aberrations  of  mind,  morbid  affections  of  the 
moral  and  intellectual  faculties  are  to  be  described  by  the  narra- 
tors strictly  as  they  are  manifested  by  the  patient's  words  or 
conduct. 

Is  there  dizziness,  or  "a  dull,  heavy  sensation"  of  the  head.— 
Disorders  of  sight?  Does  the  patient  see  objects  indistinctly  as 
through  a  veil  or  mist?  Does  he  see  dark  specks  floating  before 
the  eyes,  or  sparks,  or  false  colors?  Do  objects  appear  double  or 
quivering?  Is  the  patient  short— or  long-sighted?  Is  the  pupil 
contracted,  dilated  or  very  changeable?  Are  the  eyes  watery,  red, 
inflamed,  averse  to  the  light?    Do  the  eye-lids  frequently  glue 


INSTRUCTIONS    FOR    PATIENTS.  27 

together?  Do  they  opeu  and  cktsc  properly?  Are  they  affected 
by  cuuvulsive  motions  or  twitehings,  or  beset  with  styes?  Are 
there  specks  upon  the  cornea? 

Disorders  of  jietiriirg :  Is  there  a  roaring,  whizzing,  or  ringing 
noise  in  tlie  eai-s?  Is  tlie  ear-wax  dry  or  fluid,  oozing  from  the 
ears,  or  fcetid? 

Are  the  nostrils  obstructed  ?  Is  there  a  cold  in  the  head  with 
or  without  a  discharge  from  the  nose?  Sneezing?  Sense  of 
smell  ?  Soreness  and  rawness  of  the  nostrils,  or  a  bad  smell  from 
them?     Bleeding  at  the  nose? 

Are  the  t^h  incrusted  with  tartar,  loose,  decayed,  and  have 
any  fallen  out  or  been  extracted?  Are  the  gums  pale  or  red, 
hard  or  soft,  spongy,  swollen,  apt  to  bleed,  or  retracted  from  the 
neck  of  the  teeth? 

Is  there  dryness  of  the  mouth?  Or  excessive  flow  of  saliva? 
Is  the  saliva  viscid,  slimy,  foetid,  bloody  ?  Is  the  surface  of  the 
tongue,  tonsils,  uvula,  palate,  fauces  or  lips  affected  with  blisters, 
swellings,  or  ulcers,  or  covered  with  mucus?  Is  the  tongue  dry 
or  moist,  acutely  sensitive,  chapped,  sore  or  raw,  clean  or  covered 
with  fiir  (white  or  yellow)?-^ — Are  the  functions  of  speech,  chew- 
ing, or  motions  of  the  tongue  unembarrassed?  Is  swallowing 
performed  without  difficulty?  (Is  the  swallowing  of  fluids  or 
solids  or  of  the  spittle  attended  by  no  inconvenience?)  Has  the 
jiatient  a  bad  breath  ?  Is  the  taste  natural  or  absent,  slimy,  salt, 
bitter,  sour,  foul? — Have  the  different  articles  of  food  their  i>roper 
taste,  or  are  they  insipid,  slimy,  bitter,  sour,  salt,  etc.? — How  is 
the  apj)etite_and  thirst?  What  articles  of  food  or  drink  are 
pi-eferred?  What  complaints  arise  after  eating  and  drinking? 
Is  thiT  patient  troubled  with  frequent  belching  of  wind,  with  or 
without  taste, — or  does  it  taste  of  the  food  just  eaten,  or  of  what? 
Is  there  regurgitation  of  fluids  from  the  stomach,  or  a  collection 
of  saliva  in  the  mouth?  and  of  what  taste  in  either  case?  Is 
there  vomiting  of  water,  saliva,  or  mucus,  of  an  acrid  or  bitter 
taste,  or  of  a  putrid  taste  and  smell,  or  of  a  yellow,  green  or 
bloody  aspect?  Does  the  patient  vomit  coagulated  blood,  or 
food?  Is  there  sickn&ss<)r-nausea?  Is  the  abdomen  tense,  full, 
hard,  or  empty  and  retracted  ?  In  the  case  of  pains  or  other 
complaints  in  the  abdomen,  the  particular  region  in  which  they 
are  seated  should  be  accurately  defined  (for  example:    pit  (jf  the 


28  INSTRUCTIONS    FOR    PATIENTS. 

stomacli,  region  of  the  navel,  immediately  below  the  ribs,  in 
which  side,  etc.).  Is  the  patient  troubled  with  ilatulency?  Is 
there  frequent  rolling  and  rumbling  in  the  bowels?  Does  the 
wind  readily  escape,  or  is  it  retained,  and  what  are  the  complaints 
which  it  seems  to  give  rise  to?  Are  the  evacuations  from  the 
bowels  effected  with  ease  or  difficulty?  How  freqiienfSfethey  ? 
what  is  their  consistence?  are  they  fsecal  or  slimy,  or  bloody,  etc.? 
What  is  their  color?  Are  there  any  complaints  immediately 
preceding,  during  or  following  a  stool?  Are  there  any  large  or 
small  worms  discharged?  Are  there  abrasions  or  sore  places, 
warts,  or  piles  in  the  rectum  or  anus,  and  do  the  latter  sometimes 
protrude  or  bleed?  What  complaints  arise  before,  or  during,  or 
after  the  urinary  discharge?  And  is  the  discharge  scanty  or 
copious?  What  is  the  aspect  of  the  urine?  (is  it  clear,  high- 
colored,  or  turbid?)  Does  it  soon  change  after  evacuation  and 
deposit  mucus  or  sand,  or  a  white,  or  red  sediment?  Does  it 
contain  blood,  pus,  or  gravel? 

Men  are  to  give  every  information  in  relation  to  the  sexual 
functions  and  the  genital  organs.  Are  there  any  discharges, 
what,  and  when?  etc. 

Women  should  relate  every  circumstance  in  relation  to  men- 
struation. At  what  age  did  it  first  appear?  And  have  they 
been  regular  ever  since  ?  How  are  the  periods  now ;  are  they 
regular,  too  frequent  or  is  the  interval  too  long.  Too  copious  or 
scanty?  How  long  did  they  continue  while  the  patient  was  in 
health  and  how  long  since  she  became  sick?  What  complaints 
precede,  exist  with  or  follow  menstruation?  What  influence 
upon  the  discharge  has  motion  or  rest,  etc.?  Is  the  discharge 
red,  dark,  clotted,  foetid? — Is  the  patient  troubled  with  the 
whites?  and  how  long?  Constantly,  or  before  or  after  men- 
struation? bland  or  excoriating?  watery  or  thick?  white,  yellow, 
or  greenish?  foetid? — Has  she  ever  had  the  green  sickness,  or 
uterine  diseases,  and  in  what  did  they  consist?  Finally  intima- 
tions concerning  sexual  desire,  and  its  influence  upon  the  health 
are  desirable  for  the  physician. 

When  the  patient  is  or  has  been  married :  Has  she  had  chil- 
dren, and  has  she  often  conceived  ? — Has  she  ever  had  a  mis- 
carriage, and  hnw  often?  How  was  it  occasioned  and  what  were 
the  accompanying  symptoms  (fur  example:  great  lu.-^s  of  blood)? 


INSTRUCTIONS    FOR    PATIENTS.  29 

What  complaints  were  there  during  pregnancy  ? — What  were 
the  incidents  during  labor  and  child-bed?  Were  injuries, 
hsemorrhage,  or  diseases  attendant?  or  are  any  complaints  re- 
maining therefrom  ? — Did  the  patient  nurse  her  children  at  the 
breast  ?  And  was  the  nursing  attended  or  followed  by  any  com- 
plaint?— Has  she  sutiered  with  sore  nipples,  or  inflamed  breasts? 
And  from  this  cause  or  others,  has  she  indurations  of  the  breasts? 

At  what  age  did  menstruation  cease?  and  with  what  complaints 
was  the  cessation  accompanied?  or  with  what  effect  on  the  health? 

Is  the  bxeathing  short,  or  otherwise  oppressed?  Can  the  patient 
ascend  a  height?  Is  the  breathing  asthmatic,  wheezing  or  rattling? 
Does  the  patient  make  any  complaint  on  drawing  a  deep  breath  ? 
How  is  the  -vioice,  rough,  hoarse,  hollow,  etc.?  Is  there  a  cough? 
is  it  slight  and  short,  or  hard  and  difficult?  does  it  seem  to  come 
deep  from  the  chest?  do  the  paroxysms  of  coughing  last  long, 
and  are  they  attended  by  swelling  of  the  face  and  loss  of  breath  ? 
How  does  the  cough  sound?  Is  it  dry,  or  followed  by  expector- 
ation? Is  expectoration  easy  or  difficult,  scanty  or  copious,  mu- 
cous, purulent,  resembling  saliva,  bloody  (interspersed  or  tinged 
with  blood,  and  of  a  bright,  or  dark  color,  or  is  it  pure  blood?) 
white,  yellow,  green,  ash-colored,  etc.?  Does  it  taste  salt,  sweet, 
bitter,  or  what  taste  has  it?  Is  there  a  superabundance  of  mucus 
in  the  larynx  or  trachea,  or  does  it  seem  to  lie  deep  in  the  chest? 
In  what  part  of  the  organs  of  respiration  is  seated  the  irritation 
to  cough?  and  from  whence  proceeds  the  matter  expectorated? 
Is  there  palpitation  of  the  heart?  or  throbbing  in  other  parts  of 
the  body?  I5oes  the  patient  suffer  from  transient  flushes  of  heat? 
He  can  perhaps  describe  the  condition  of  the  pulse.  Are  the 
glands  beneath  the  ear,  under  the  jaw,  in  the  arm-pits,  on  the 
head,  or  in  the  groins,  swollen  or  suppurated?  Is  the  patient 
afflicted  with  goitre  (this  is  an  enlargement  of  the  gland  over  the 
wind  pipe). 

Are  there  swellings  of  the  Hotiph  nr  jnirtts,  are  there  tubercles 
or  swellings,  or  swollen  or  knotted  veins?  Are  there  any  parts 
red,  swollen,  and  painful?  Are  the  hands  or  feet  swollen?  Is  there 
lameness  of  one  or  more  of  the  limbs?  Are  there  cramps  or 
spasms,  tremor,  twitching  or  starting,  or  falling  asleep,  or  other 
morbid  sensations  in  any  of  the  limbs?  Is  the  gkin  pallid,  yellow, 
etc.?  Is  it  dry  or  inclined  to  sweat,  or  otherwise  in  an  unhealthy 
condition? 


30  INSTRUCTIONS    FOR    PATIENTS. 

Is  there  itching  of  the  skiu  (tickling,  slight  prickling,  or  a 
sensation  of  biting,  burning,  crawling,  sticking?)  is  it  relieved  by 
scratching,  or  is  the  sensation  thereby  only  changed  for  another? 
The  presence  in  the  skin  of  wheals,  swellings,  boils,  chilblains  and 
corns  is  to  be  mentioned,  and  the  attendant  sensations  described. 
Also  cutaneous  eruptions,  as  miliary  eruptions  or  rashes,  spots, 
pimples,  vesicles  and  pustules  are  to  be  described,  viz. :  their  seat, 
color,  abundance,  size;  whether  filled  with  water  or  pus,  whether 
covered  with  scabs  or  crusts,  and  their  duration.  Also,  tetter, 
scaliness,  scald,  brown  and  blue  spots,  moles,  freckles,  cracks  or 
fissures  of  the  skin,  blisters  with  corrosive  discharges,  ulceration 
at  the  angles  of  the  mouth,  warts,  swellings  of  the  bones,  chafing 
of  the  skin,  malformation  of  the  nails,  falling  out  of  the  hair, 
scales  or  scabs  on  the  head.  When  there  are  ulcers,  whether  they 
are  inflamed  or  overgrown  with  what  is  called  proud  flesh, 
whether  their  margins  ai-e  elevated,  whether  they  easily  bleed,  or 
their  bottom  looks  red,  black,  or  as  if  containing  a  fatty  sub- 
stance; whether  the  matter  issuing  from  them  is  copious,  thin, 
thick,  bloody,  white,  yellow,  black,  corrosive,  foetid. 

Is  there  chilliness,  or  a  feeling  of  heat?  Chilliness,  heat,  or 
swfiiit  of  particular  parts? — Sweating  of  the  feet,  whether  warm, 
cold,  or  foetid?  When  the  patient  has  fever,  do  the  paroxysms 
consist  of  a  cold,  hot  and  sweating  stage?  Do  they  alternate  with 
or  succeed  each  other?  What  is  the  order  of  their  successsion? 
With  what  intensity,  and  how  long  does  each  continue?  Are  they 
general,  or  do  they  afiect  particular  parts  only?  with  or  without 
thirst?  with  paleness  or  redness  of  the  face  and  skin?  Are  there 
other  symptoms  accompanying  the  paroxysms  of  fever  (cold,  hot 
and  sweating  stage)  ? 

Particular  paroxysms  of  disease,  as  swooning,  cramps,  epilepsy, 
spasms  of  the  stomach,  asthma,  etc.,  are  to  be  accurately  described 
in  their  commencement,  course  and  termination.  Whether  they 
are  changed,  aggravated  or  relieved  at  certain  hours  of  the  day, 
during  the  performance  of  any  bodily  function,  or  by  certain  pos- 
tures of  the  body. 

Does  the  patient.sleep  long,  or  is  he  restless,  and  is  the  sleep 
interrupted  by  frequent  waking  or  startings?  Does  he  talk  or 
moan  in  his  sleep,  or  has  he  the  night-mare?  Is  the  sleep  disturbed 
by  anxious  dreams,  and  of  what  character?  In  what  posture  does 


INSTRUCTIONS    FOR    PATIENTS.  31 

the  patient  lie  during  sleep?  Is  he  accustomed  to  sleep  with  his 
mouth  open?  How  is  his  strength?  Is  he  obliged  to  lie  down,  or 
can  he  remain  up?  Does  he  feel  languid,  weary,  or  sluggish,  etc.? 
Is  he  emaciated? 

The  patient  should  relate  his  previous  diseases, — particular 
cutaneous  diseases, — -itch,  eruptions  of  the  head,  tetter,  erysipelas, 
small-pox,  measles,  pimples  on  the  face  or  any  itching  eruption 
of  the  skin. — Also,  whether  he  has  had  scrofula  (glandular  swell- 
ings), rickets,  gout,  rheumatism,  piles,  difficult  dentition,  worms, 
cramps,  epilepsy  (convulsions),  whooping-cough,  inflammation 
of  the  lungs,  or  other  inflammations,  intermittent  or  remittent 
fever,  jaundice,  hemorrhages,  diseases  of  the  teeth,  apoplexy  and 
palsy,  sweating  of  the  feet,  ulcers,  or  other  diseases.  He  should 
relate  how  long  he  has  labored  under  either  of  these  afl^ections, 
how  long  he  was  under  treatment  for  them,  what  were  the  reme- 
dies employed,  and  what  he  has  used  for  the  existing  disease, 
Has  he  resorted  to  medicated  baths,  herb  teas  of  any  kind,  blood- 
letting, emetics  or  cathartics,  teas  "for  purifying  the  blood,'' 
valerian  tea,  "strengthening  medicines,"  Peruvian  bark,  etc 
And  is  he  accustomed  to  the  use  of  any  of  these  remedies?  Is 
he  in  the  habitual  use  of  distilled  or  fermented  liquors,  coffee, 
tea,  much  fat  victuals,  acid,  or  highly-seasoned  food? — Does  he 
partake  of  nuich  food,  and  what? — His  manner  ofjiying  should 
be  described,  and  whether  he  is  accustomed  to  the  use  of  woolen 
clothing,  and  whether  his  habitation  is  in  a  wholesome  condition. 
— When  passions  or  emotions  of  the  mind  retard  recovery,  or 
have  caused  and  sustained  the  disease,  he  should  not  funccal 
these  circumstances  from  the  physician.  For  example:  disa))- 
pointed  love,  blighted  hopes,  grief,  domestic  unhappiness,  want. 
Neither  should  he  conceal  the  fact  of  fociaer  habits  of  licentious- 
ness, if  any  such  have  existed,  and  which  may  have  contributed 
to  his  disease.  If  he  has  always  been  of  a  weakly  frame  of  body, 
probably  his  disease  is  hereditary ;  and  if  when  an  infant,  he  did 
not  receive  his  nourishment  at  the  breast,  but  was  brought  up 
"  by  hand,"  the  physician  should  be  informed  of  the  fact. 


n 


32 


LIST    OF    EEMEDIES. 


LIST  OF  REMEDIES. 


Aoonitura, 

Crocus. 

Petroleum. 

Antim.  .Ilium  crmliim, 

Cuprum  metallicum. 

Phosphorus. 

Antimonium  tartaricum,  Drosera. 

Phosphoric  acid. 

Argentum  nitricum. 

Dulcamara. 

Platina. 

Apis. 

Euplirasia. 

Pulsatilla. 

Arnica  radix. 

Ferrum. 

Eheum. 

Arsenicum 

Fcrriim  phosplioricum 

Khus  tox. 

Belladonna. 

(:;c4seminum. 

Ruta. 

Bryonia. 

Glon<.ine. 

Sabina. 

Calcarea. 

Ilamamelis. 

Sambucus. 

Cantharides. 

Ilepar  sulph. 

Sanguinaria. 

Capsicum. 

Ilyoscyamus. 

Secale. 

Carbo  vegetabilis. 

Ignatia. 

Sepia. 

Causticum. 

Ipecacuanha. 

Silicea. 

Cepa. 

Lachesis. 

Spigelia. 

C'hamorailla. 

Lyccipodium. 

Spongia. 

China. 

Mercurius  subliraatus. 

Staphisagria. 

Cina. 

Mercurius. 

Stramonium. 

Cinchona  (see  China). 

Natrum  muriaticum. 

Sulphur. 

Cocculus. 

Xux  moschata. 

Viola  tricolor. 

Coffea. 

Nux  vouiica. 

Veratrum  album. 

Colocynthis. 

Opium. 

Zincum. 

FLUID  FOR  EXTERNAL  USE. 


Arnica,  tincture  of  root.  Cantharides. 
Calendula.  Hypericum. 


The  medicines  should  be  kept  iu  a  dry  and  nnt  too  warm  place, 
free  from  odors,  aud  excluded  froiu  a  bright  light. 


PART  FIRST. 


The  most  Common  Causes  of  Disease. 


CHAPTER  I. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MIND. 


SUDDEN  EMOTIONS. 

After  an  agreeable  surprise,  if  the  pleasurable  sensa- 
tions are  accompanied  by  great  excitement,  trembling, 
fainting,  headache,  etc.,  which  may  happen  to  women 
and  children,  give  Coffea;  particularly  if  they  cry,  weep,  or 
laugh. 

After  a  common  fright,  caused  by  a  sudden  noise,  etc., 
give  Opium  if  it  can  be  given  immediately;  but  if  an  hour 
or  more  should  have  elapsed.  Aconite  is  preferable. 

After  &  fright,  with  great  terrm;  Opium  is  the  best  remedy. 

Frigid  with  vexation.  Aconite;  if  followed  by  sad?iess  or 
grief,  Jgnatia.  If  children  after  being  frightened  are  still 
fearful,  have  great  heat  in  the  head  and  twitching  around 
the  mouth,  give  Opium. 

If  the  fright  is  followed  by  pains  in  tlie  forehead,  sour 

vomiting  or  eructation,  weakness  and  cold  sweat,  or  stupor 

with  internal  heat,  agitation  and  heaviness  in  the  abdomen, 

or  coldness  of  the  body,  with  trembling  or  nervous  twitch- 

3  (33) 


34  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND. 

ing,  oppression  of  the  cliest  with  anxiety,  stiffness  of  the 
limbs,  unnatural  sleep  with  loud  snoring,  give  Opium  in 
water,  a  teaspoonful,  every  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes;  if 
better,  less  often.  Should  within  an  hour  the  difficult 
breathing  be  the  same,  particularly  if  after  vomiting  or 
coughing  the  patient  should  feel  like  suffocating,  the  face 
turn  bluish,  without  snoring,  children  weep  much  and 
grasp  about  them,  grown  persons  tremble  as  if  in  distress, 
breathing  more  like  whistling  than  snoring,  give  Sambucu3. 

If  the  difficult  breathing  increases  to  suffocation,  and 
violent  pains  appear  in  the  stomach  and  pit  of  the  stomach, 
give  Aconite. 

If  the  fright  is  followed  by  twitching  of  the  limbs,  or 
convulsions,  insensibility,  loss  of  sight,  trembling,  difficult 
breathing,  involuntary  evacuations,  give  Oiniun;  and  if 
this  should  have  no  effect  within  half  an  hour,  Ignaiia, 
or  Glonoine.  If  their  sight  fails,  if  they  sink  down,  become 
pale  as  death,  or  alternately  pale  and  red,  have  twitching 
around  the  mouth,  jerking  of  the  limbs  or  spreading  of 
the  fingers,  give  Glonoine;  if  the  back  becomes  stiff,  Ig- 
natia. 

When  children  have  been  frightened  into  fits,  and 
scream,  tremble,  have  twitching  in  the  arms  and  legs — if 
the  head  is  hot,  with  much  perspiration  and  redness  of 
the  face,  give  Opium  every  five  or  ten  minutes;  if  not 
better  in  half  an  hour.  Belladonna;  but  if  they  become 
very  ]):ilf,  Iijunfia;  if  very  cold,  with  involuntary  evacua- 
tions, ]'(i-rdnnn.     See  "Spasms." 

In  cases  of  simple  vomiting,  sickness  of  the  stomach,  or 
pains  caused  by  a  fright,  Aconite. 

For  diarrhoea,  caused  by  any  sudden  mental  emotion,  as 
grief,  fright,  bad  news,  the  anticipation  of  any  unusual 
ordeal,  give  Gelseminum ;  if  they  are  cold  and  tremble, 
Veratrum;  when  internally  hot  and  externally  cold,  or 
the  body  hot  and  the  limbs  cold,  Pulsatilla.  If  the  head 
is  hot,  Opium.     See  "  Diarrhoea." 


AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    MIXD.  35 

For/am<in<7,  after  a  fright,  Opium;  ifthe  patient  becomes 
cold,  sprinkle  his  face  and  bathe  his  feet  witli  cold  water; 
if  it  returns,  let  him  smell  camphor  at  short  intervals. 

"When,  after  a  fright,  there  is  a  rush  of  the  blood  to  the 
head,  give  first  Opium;  if  this  fails,  Aconite,  and  if  it  returns 
within  six  or  eiglit  hours,  Belladonna. 

When,  after  a  fright,  a  person  continues  to  be  greatly- 
agitated,  Bdladoium  will  afford  relief;  sometimes  Mercu- 
rius,  according  to  the  symptoms,  to  be  given  hereafter. 

If  fright  or  mortification,  produces  derangement  of  the 
mind,  and  the  blood  rushes  to  the  head,  the  pupils  of  the 
eyes  are  large,  face  red,  burning  hot,  or  pale  and  moist, 
nose  dry,  throat  and  neck  sore  to  the  touch,  ifthe  i^atient 
cannot  bear  anything  about  the  neck,  cannot  sleep  at  all, 
or  is  raving  mad,  would  run  away,  or  fears  imaginary 
things,  give  Belladonna. 

If  the  throat  and  neck  are  very  sensitive  to  the  slightest 
touch,  and  the  patient  talks  incessantly,  changing  the 
subject  often,  give  Lachcsis.  If  the  patient  is  alternately, 
very  indifferent,  low-spirited,  especially  in  the  evening, 
or  aff'ected  with  paroxj^sms  of  laughter,  or  if  he  displays 
much  pride  and  contempt  for  others,  or  fears  the  approach 
of  death — or  when,  accompanied  by  a  copious  menstrual 
discharge,  give  Platinum;  should  this  discharge,  however, 
be  diminished  or  suppressed,  and  Platinum  not  relieve, 
give  Pulsatilla. 

If  Belladonna  has  given  no  relief,  and  the  patient  remains 
much  agitated,  the  least  exertion  producing  trembling 
and  rush  of  blood  to  the  head,  cannot  sleep  on  account 
of  frightful  visions,  is  worse  at  night,  cannot  bear  the 
heat  of  the  bed,  wishes  to  escape,  or  is  quarrelsome,  or 
complains  of  his  friends  and  of  all  about  liim,  give  Mer- 
curius. 

Fear  is  frequently  combined  with  fright  and  anxiety, 
and  the  same  remedies  may  be  used.  When  children 
are  timid,  give  Aconite  in  the  evening,  or  Belladonna  in 


3G  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND. 

the  morning;  if  they  fear  being  alone,  Arsenicum ;  if  afraid 
of  peoi^le,  Pulsatilla. 

If  the  fear  continues,  if  they  imagine  that  they  see  dead 
persons,  give  Arsenicum;  that  thieves  are  concealed  in 
the  house,  Natrum  muriaticum. 

When  other  symptoms  appear,  particularly  stupefac- 
tion, difficulty  of  swallowing,  convulsions  with  twitching, 
laughing  when  asleep,  starting  with  apprehension,  or  a 
desire  to  escape,  give  Ilyoscyamus. 


GRIEF  AXD  SORROW. 

The  consequences  of  grief  and  sorrow,  if  long  continued,  are  worse  tlian 
tliose  of  other  affections ;  witlxout  the  proper  moral  remedy,  medicines  are 
useless.  Whoever  cannot  find  the  former,  need  not  expect  relief  from  tlie 
latter.  The  first  sudden  consequences  are,  however,  in  most  cases  soon 
overcome  by  medicines. 

For  silent  inward  grief,  combined  with  mortification, 
for  suppressed  vexation,  affliction  which  cannot  be  quieted, 
for  silent  grief  caused  by  misplaced  affection,  or  in  conse- 
quence of  losses  which  cannot  be  forgotten — for  a  grief 
continually  preying  upon  the  mind,  give  Ignatia. 

For  vomiting,  or  pains  in  the  stomach,  or  headache  and 
giddiness,  give  also  Ignatia;  and  if  it  fails,  riiospltoric  acid. 

In  sleeplessness  after  depressing  events,  sorrow  or  loss  of 
friends',  when  night  after  night  passes  without  any  sleep, 
one  dose  oi  Sulphur  will  often  give  relief. 

AVhen  fits  are  caused  by  grief  or  mortification,  give  Ig- 
natia first ;  if  this  does  not  relieve,  give  Opium  during  the 
attack,  and  the  next  day,  Phosphoric  acid.    See  "Spasms." 

For  grief  caused  by  disappointment  in  love  give  Ignatia, 
particularly  if  one  cheek  frequently  turns  red,  and  in  a 
few  days,  if  necessary.  Phosphoric  acid,  especially  if  the 
patient  is  very  quiet,  taciturn,  or  has  a  slow  fever  and  at 
times  redness  of  both  cheeks.  For  disappointed  love,  with 
vexation  and  indignation,  take  Staphisagria. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND.  tW 

If  much  affected  by  great  sympathy  with  the  sickness 
or  other  distress  of  a  friend,  give  Phosphoric  acid. 

For  a  lasting,  old  grief,  take  a  dose  of  JVatrum  muriaii- 
cum  occasionally. 

If  the  patient  is  jealous,  violent  in  his  motions,  quarrel- 
some or  deliriov;s,  give  Jli/oscyamus,  which  may  also  be 
given  if  lovers  quarrel  much.  If  he  talks  much  and  dis- 
connectedly, changing  the  subject  of  his  conversation  ab- 
ruptly, talks  to  every  person  about  his  grievances,  or  is 
peevish  and  malicious,  feels  worse  when  awaking  or  after 
eating,  Lachesis.  When  contempt  of  persons,  heretofore 
esteemed  or  loved,  is  shown  in  acts  or  words,  sometimes 
with  a  temptation  to  kill  such  persons.  Platinum. 

For  grief  and  loss  of  sleep  in  consequence  of  watching 
at  the  sick-bed  of  dear  persons,  if  headache  and  nervous- 
ness follow,  give  Cocculus;  if  there  is  great  exhaustion, 
the  patient  scarcely  able  to  speak.  Phosphoric  acid;  if  en- 
tire sleeplessness,  continuing  for  many  nights,  Sulphur. 

When  mortifications  have  produced  a  derangement  oj 
intellect,  give  Belladonna,  Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius,  or  Plati- 
num, according  to  the  symptoms  above  stated.  If  all 
things  appear  larger,  Hyoscyamus;  if  much  smaller,  or 
very  little,  like  playthings,  Platinum;  if  dark,  black, 
double.  Belladonna  or  Mercurius;  and  if  Mercurius  does 
not  improve  any  longer,  let  it  be  followed  by  one  dose  of 
Sulphur. 

When  caused  by  homesickness,  and  the  patient  cannot 
sleep,  is  hot  and  flushed  in  the  face,  give  Hyoscyamus; 
and  if  this  should  not  give  relief  within  a  few  days,  espe- 
cially if  the  patient  has  a  hot  feeling  in  the  back  of  the 
throat.  Capsicum.  If  followed  by  a  short  hacking  cough 
every  morning,  Droscra.  If  the  patient  is  evidently  wast- 
ing away,  does  not  wish  to  speak,  the  chest  feels  too  weak, 
is  very  sleepy  and  dull,  taciturn,  irritable,  often  feels  hot 
in  the  evening,  and  sweats  much  in  the  morning,  does 
not  care  to  eat,  says  everything  he  cats  lies  heavily  and 


38  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIXD. 

oppressively  in  the  stomach,  tastes  what  he  has  eaten  a 
long  time,  Phosphoric  acid.  When  the  patient  is  very 
weak,  trembling,  uneasy,  agitated,  particularly  during 
the  niglit,  chilly,  perspiring  all  night,  give  Mercurius. 

If  grief,  fright,  anxiety,  fear  or  vexation  bring  on  the 
monthhj  discharge,  or  increase  or  check  it,  or  bring  on 
other  symptoms  with  it,  Platinum. 

For  protracted  effects  of  grief  and  sorrow,  when  the  pa- 
tient is  irritable,  cross,  uneasy,  fearful,  dejected,  anticipat- 
ing danger,  dreads  the  future,  frets  and  grieves  constantly, 
is  sleepy  during  the  day,  but  cannot  rest  at  night,  per- 
spires night  and  day,  loses  the  hair,  the  voice  becomes 
feeble,  give  Staphisagria.  If  he  is  contemptuous,  refuses 
to  speak,  is  feverish,  and  loses  flesh,  give  Phosphoric  acid. 
If  quarrelsome,  obstinate,  sensitive,  and  has  occasional 
attacks  of  great  anxiety,  give  Mcrcurius. 


VEXATION. 

Chamomilla  generally  answers  best  when  the  vexation 
is  attended  with  violent  fits  of  anger. 

If  vexation  causes  a  bitter  taste,  retching  and  vomiting 
of  bile,  headache,  nausea,  oppression  at  the  stomach,  cut- 
ting pains  in  the  bowels,  diarrhoea,  hot  fever  with  thirst, 
redness  of  the  face  and  eyes,  anxiety  and  uneasiness,  bil- 
ious fever,  or  jaundice,  give  Chamomilla.  If  the  patient  is 
cold  and  chilly,  has  belching,  vomiting,  or  rising  of  bitter 
water,  has  either  constipation  or  diarrhoea,  feels  better 
when  at  rest,  give  Bryonia;  and  if  it  produces  no  effect, 
Veratruvi.  In  cases  of  fever  with  restlessness,  dry  skin, 
pressure  in  the  stomach  like  a  stone,  Aconite. 

When  food  or  drink,  taken  immediately  after  being 
vexed,  produces  bitter  taste,  bitter  eructations,  vomiting 
of  bile,  pain  in  the  bowels,  heat  of  the  head,  uneasiness, 
disturbed  sleep,  sensitiveness  and  other  complaints,  give 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MIND.  dU 

Chamomilla  once  or  twice ;  but  if  this  medicine  loses  its 
effect,  give  Pulsatilla,  Nux  vomica,  or  Colocynth. 

If  a  person  has  drunk  chamomile  tea,  and  has  after- 
wards been  vexed,  or  taken  improperly  chamomile  tea 
for  the  fever  following  vexation,  give  Coffea,  and  if  this 
does  not  relieve,  Nux  vomica.  If,  after  this,  the  pains  con- 
tinue, give  Colocynth.  If  the  patient  is  of  a  mild  disposi- 
tion, and  Colocijuth  does  not  effect  a  perfect  cure,  give  Pul- 
satilla. 

If  grief  or  shame  is  the  consecpience  of  vexation,  give 
Ignatia.  If  vexation  is  followed  by  coldness  or  chills,  and 
the  jiatient  remains  cross,  give  Bryonia;  should  Bryonia 
nt)t  suffice,  the  patient  being  one  who  is  inclined  to  be- 
come angry,  give  Nux  vomica.  If  the  vexation  is  accom- 
panied by  just  and  violent  indignation,  and  abhorrence 
of  the  occurrence  which  induced  it,  if  this  is  expressed  by 
pushing  away  things  on  the  table  with  the  hands,  or 
throwing  away  what  he  has  in  his  hands,  give  Staphisa- 
gria.  When  there  is  inclination  to  violent  motions  or 
pains  in  the  bowels,  especially  if  they  occur,  or  are  in- 
creased after  meals,  Colocynth  may  be  given. 

Vexation  may  cause  restlessness,  want  of  sleep  on  ac- 
count of  lieat,  feeling  as  if  too  much  blood  were  in  the 
head,  short  breathing,  palpitation,  then  give  Aconite. 

For  coldness,  fear  of  being  alone,  fear  of  dying,  want  of 
breath,  give  Arsenicum. 

If  vexation  produces  cough,  or  palpitation  of  the  heart, 
asthma,  spasms  in  the  chest,  so  that  the  patient  is  threat- 
ened with  suffocation,  give  Chamomilla.  In  this  case  it 
will  be  well  also  to  put  the  hands  for  a  short  time  in  cold 
water;  and  if  this  fails,  to  bathe  the  arms  in  water  until 
better.  If  these  symptoms  are  worse  after  midnight,  give 
Arsenicum;  if  towards  morning,  or  if  the  patient  seems  to 
lose  his  reason,  Vcrairum. 


40  AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    MIXD. 


ANGER. 


When  persons  of  violent  temper  feel  unwell,  after  hav- 
ing been  in  a  passion,  give  Nux  vomica;  if  the  cheeks  and 
face  are  burning  red,  perspiration  warm,  if  disposed  to  be 
in  motion,  Chamomilla;  and  if  disposed  to  be  quiet,  Bry- 
onia. 

Anger  with  indignation  in  persons  inclined  to  much 
reflection,  who  complain  of  soreness  all  over,  are  sleepy 
during  the  day,  and  sleepless  during  the  night,  StapMsa- 
gria;  if  chilly  and  feverish  alternately,  with  thirst  and 
vomiting  of  bile,  generally  worse  towards  morning,  Nu£ 
vomica. 

Internal  chill  without  thirst,  with  sleepiness,  worse  in 
the  afternoon  and  evening,  Pulsatilla. 

If  anger  and  vexation  produce  mental  alienation,  fear 
of  death,  anxiety,  or  laughing  and  crying,  Platinum. 
When  little  children  get  into  so  violent  a  rage  as  to  lose 
their  breath  or  fall  into  convulsions,  give  Chamomilla;  if 
they  lose  their  breath,  apparently  from  phlegm  in  the 
throat,  with  rattling,  give  Tartar  emetic.  If  they  shriek 
and  weep  violently  which  seems  to  cause  coughing,  or  if 
the  anger  and  crying  cause  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
coughing  so  hard  that  blood  follows,  or  if  there  is  a  bruised 
sensation,  especially  in  the  back,  bitter  taste,  foul  breath, 
and  if  lying  as  if  stunned  by  a  blow,  head  hot,  feet  cold; 
or  if  at  first  very  irritable,  afterwards  indifferent,  urine 
and  stool  pass  involuntarily,  give  Arnica.  If  they  con- 
tinue to  cry  and  will  not  be  pacified,  the  blood  rushing 
to  the  head,  they  talk  confusedly,  or  are  senseless,  give 
Belladonna,  and  if  this  fails  to  relieve,  Hcpar. 

SENSITIVENESS  AND  IRRITABILITY 

Cause   indispositions  with   many  persons,  who    are  too 
much  affected  by  even  trifling  emotions.     If  with  this 


AFFECTION'S    OF    THE    MIXD.  41 

great  sensitiveness  there  should  be  inward  vexation,  sleep- 
lessness, great  jminfuliiess  of  affected  parts  causing  weep- 
ing, and  a  disposition  to  shed  tears  at  tlie  most  trifling 
and  imaginary  causes,  give  Coffca.  Tlie  patient  must,  of 
course,  abstain  from  drinking  coffee. 

Persons  with  great  irritability  of  the  nervous  system, 
particularly  the  senses,  easily  startled,  anxious,  inclined 
to  lie  down,  averse  to  fresh  air,  of  a  violent,  stubborn  and 
refractory  disposition,  and  women,  if  the  menstrual  jDeriods 
appear  too  soon,  are  interrupted,  stop  and  appear  again, 
and  in  this  way  last  too  long,  should  take  Nux  vomica; 
persons  more  tranquil,  easily  moved  to  tears,  the  menses 
too  late  and  insufficient  or  suppressed,  Pulsatilla.  If  this 
fails  and  the  patient  is  fretful,  give  Ignatia;  if  peevish 
and  i)assionate,  Chamomllla.  If  the  patients  are  greatly 
excited,  form  plans,  and  are  exceedingly  lively,  particu- 
larly in  the  evening,  give  China.  If  the  pains  are  dis- 
tracting, give  Coffea;  if  this  fails  and  there  is  fever  with 
a  full,  quick,  hard  pulse,  give  Aconite;  and  if  this  fails  to 
afford  relief,  Chamomilla. 

When  persons  become  flighty  or  distracted  from  exces- 
sive jiain,  are  subject  to  its  recurrence,  catch  cold  from 
every  change  of  weather,  and  are  worse  from  being  touched, 
give  China,  and  should  this  prove  ineffectual  within  sev- 
eral hours,  Mercurius.  If  violent  pains  bring  on  delirium, 
give  Vcratrum. 

If  different  mental  emotions  or  mental  exertion  cause 
headache,  faintness,  or  determination  of  blood  to  the  head, 
take  Glonoinc;  but  if  great  weakness  and  fatigue  or  de- 
pression and  uneasiness  remain,  particularly  after  night- 
watching,  take  Cuprum. 

If  any  slight  mental  exertion,  reading,  studying  or 
thinking  causes  complaints,  particularly  in  persons  of 
sedentary  habits,  give  Nux  vomica ;  if  this  does  not  avail, 
Lachesis. 

If  occurring  after   night-watching  or  oft   interrupted 


42  CONSEQUENCES   OF   COLDS. 

sleep,  and  all  symptoms  are  aggravated  by  eating,  drink- 
ing, and  after  sleep,  particularly  in  nervous  jiersons,  give 
Cocculus. 


CHAPTER  II. 
CONSEQUENCES  OF  COLD. 

The  most  common  results  of  taking  cold  are  catarrh  and  coiig 
fever,  colic,  diarrhoea,  pains  in  the  teeth,  ears  or  limbs.  When  selecting  a 
medicine,  it  may  be  necessary  to  refer  to  the  chapter  where  these  disorders 
are  more  fidly  treated.  Here  ■we  shall  only  mention  what  is  to  be  done  in 
tlie  most  common  cases. 

The  first  rule  to  be  observed,  in  order  to  prevent  bad  efTects  from  catching 
cold,  is  to  keep  warm,  and  see  that  the  feet  are  kept  dry ;  to  abstain  from 
the  use  of  spirituous  liquors,  which  in  some  cases  may  aggravate  the  com- 
plaint ;  and  eat  less  animal  food  and  no  spices. 

When  you  feel  that  you  have  caught  cold,  without  any 
decided  consequences  having  yet  manifested  themselves, 
after  having  been  in  a  cold,  dry  wind,  take  Aconite,  drink 
a  large  tumbler  of  cold  water  before  going  to  bed,  cover 
yourself  well  and  try  to  perspire. 

If  children  cannot  be  induced  to  drink  water,  or  if  you  know  from  ex- 
perience that  it  does  not  produce  perspiration,  water  and  milk  in  equal 
proportion,  t.iken  very  warm,  may  cause  jjcrspiration. 

To  a  person,  wlio  in  winter  has  become  stiff  with  cold 
and  wet,  give  a  cup  of  strong  coffee,  without  milk.  If  this 
should  prevent  sleep  at  night,  Nux  voruku. 

If  children  have  been  out  in  the  snow,  snow-balling, 
skating,  or  playing  out-doors  in  winter,  have  perspired, 
perhaps  gotten  their  feet  wet  and  taken  cold,  headache 
following,  give  Glonoine,  especially  if  the  head  is  hot,  face 
red,  pulse  very  quick,  eyes  red,  and  the  arteries  of  the 
neck  throbbing ;  also  if  they  hold  their  head,  or  want  to 


CONSEQUENCES   OF   COLDS.  43 

have  the  forehead  pressed,  say  the  head  is  too  large,  or 
begin  to  rave.  Afterwards  it  may  be  necessary  to  give 
Belladonna  or  Bryonia. 

When  perspiration  has  been  checked  by  taking  cold 
and  is  followed  by  headache,  earache,  toothache,  or  pain 
in  the  bowels,  give  ChamomiUa;  by  pain  in  the  ears  alone, 
I\hus  tax. 

To  women  in  confinement,  if  they  complain  of  headache, 
especially  on  the  right  side,  occasioned  by  a  draught  of 
cold  air,  or  of  pain  in  the  nape  of  the  neck,  in  consequence 
of  sitting  up  and  being  uncovered,  give  Belladonna;  if  the 
pain  extends  to  the  shoulders,  being  partly  brought  on 
by  holding  the  child,  Rhus  tox.  will  remove  it;  if  the  pain 
is  more  on  the  left  side,  is  throbbing  and  shooting,  and 
effects  the  lower  jaw,  the  arms  and  the  chest,  and  is  worse 
from  motion,  Bryonia  will  afford  relief;  but  if  mostly  con- 
fined to  the  temple,  the  eye,  the  upper  jaw,  or  to  the  chest 
in  the  region  of  the  heart,  Spigelia  should  be  given. 

When  a  person,  while  perspiring  freely,  gets  drenched 
by  a  shower  of  rain,  give  Rhus  tox.  Should  no  relief  be 
experienced,  and  if  the  patient  has  previously  over-exerted 
liimself,  give  Bryonia.    See  " Overheating." 

When  in  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  a  sudden  change 
takes  place  in  the  weather  from  hot  to  cold,  and  almost 
every  one  complains  of  having  taken  cold,  give  Belladonna; 
but  if  the  cold,  wet  weather  continues  for  a  long  time, 
Kux  moschata,  particularly  to  children,  women  and  men, 
who  are  easily  affected. 

After  having  the  hair  cut,  persons,  particularly  children, 
very  often  have  symptoms  of  a  cold,  which  are  relieved 
by  taking  Belladonna. 

For  cold  in  the  head,  from  wet  feet,  give  Cepa;  for  cough 
and  pain  in  the  limbs,  Rhus  tox. 

For  suppressed  perspiration  of  the  feet,  give  Silicea. 

Catarrh,  or  Cold  in  the  Nose. — If  catarrh  results 


44  CONSEQUENCES   OF    COLDS. 

from  a  cold,  and  the  patient  can  neither  smell  nor  taste, 
give  Pulsatilla. 

For  catarrh,  with  heat  in  the  eyes  and  head,  soreness 
of  the  nose,  give  Belladonna.  If  the  nose  is  stopped  up, 
Nux  vomica  or  Ipecacuanha. 

If  north-east  wind,  blowing  from  the  sea,  causes  a  run- 
ning cold  in  the  head,  worse  in  the  evening  and  in-doors, 
better  in  the  open  air,  with  headache,  running  of  the  eyes 
and  fever,  take  Cepa. 

If  a  catarrh  has  been  checked  by  fresh  exposure  to  cold, 
particularly  if  the  patient  is  worse  in  the  afternoon,  or  is' 
dejected  and  fretful,  give  Pulsatilla;  if  he  is  worse  at  night 
or  towards  morning,  or  very  cross,  sensitive,  and  excited, 
China. 

If  a  catarrh  appears  after  an  eruption  has  been  checked, 
give  Ipecacuanha,  and  if  that  does  not  avail.  Cuprum.  In 
some  cases,  Bryonia,  Pulsatilln,  Suljjhur,  or  Nux  moschata 
may  be  given,  according  to  the  symptoms.  If  the  recov- 
ery from  catarrh  has  been  impeded  by  a  fresh  cold,  at- 
tended with  pain  over  the  eyes,  wor.se  on  the  right  side, 
the  face  flushed.  Belladonna;  if  the  pain  is  worse  on  the 
left  side  and  the  face  pale,  Spigclia. 

Cough. — When  catarrh  is  accompanied  by  cough,  or 
when  a  dry  cough  remains  after  the  first  symptoms  have 
disappeared  under  the  action  of  other  medicines,  give 
Nux  vomica.  If  the  cough  is  dry  and  excites  retching  or 
vomiting.  Ipecacuanha;  if  it  is  hollow  and  causes  vomiting, 
Carbo  vegctahilis;  if  accompanied  with  tough  expectoration, 
particularly  with  children  in  winter,  Chamomilla;  if  it  is 
moist  or  loose,  Ferrum  phosph.  or  Pulsatilla  (see  "Cough," 
in  Part  II);  if  the  cough  returns  with  every  blast  of  cold 
air,  give  Phosphoric  acid;  if  it  returns  every  time  that  a 
foot  or  arm  is  exposed  when  in  bed,  and  is  hollow  and 
fatiguing,  give  Hrpar ;  if  the  cough  becomes  worse  after 
going  to  bed,  is  always  worse  when  getting  warm  in  bed, 
Nux  moschata. 


CONSEQUEXCES    OF    COLDS.  45 

When  the  cough  is  caused  by  cold  air,  is  di\y  and  con- 
vulsive, with  vomiting,  or  the  expectoration  is  spotted  or 
streaked  with  blood,  if  accompanied  by  a  stitch  in  the 
side,  or  by  headache,  pain  under  the  ribs,  or  if  the  cough 
is  caused  by  a  tickling  in  the  throat,  and  the  chest  feels 
sore  after  it,  and  the  pulse  is  hard  and  quick,  give  Bryonia; 
but  when  the  pulse  is  not  very  liard,  if  the  soreness  con- 
tinues or  is  felt  during  the  cough,  not  stitches  but  more 
burning  sensation  in  the  chest,  oppression  and  palpitation, 
give  Carho  vcgdabllis. 

Difficulty  of  Breathing. — When,  after  taking  cold, 
the  patient  appears  as  if  suffocating,  give  Ipecacuanha.  If 
not  relieved  by  this,  Arsenicum.  Sometimes  other  reme- 
dies prescribed  for  asthma  are  preferable,  viz.,  Nnx  vomica, 
Cuprum  or  Sambiu:us.     See  "Asthma"  and  "Croup." 

Diarrhoea. — When  immediately  after  taking  cold  diar- 
rhcca  appears,  give  Opium.  If  this  does  no  good,  or  if  the 
diarrhcea  does  not  appear  for  a  day  or  so  afterwards,  and 
is  attended  with  pain  in  the  bowels,  or  other  symptoms, 
give  Dulcamara. 

In  diarrhcea  without  pain,  and  commencing  during  the 
day,  or  if  worse  in  the  day-time  and  better  at  night,  give 
Ferrum;  worse  after  midnight  or  towards  morning,  Phos- 
phoric acid;  if  produced  by  eating  ice-cream,  or  drinking 
ice-water,  compare  Part  I,  Chapter  lA''. 

If,  during  Warm  weather,  diarrhoea  is  caused  by  taking 
cold  while  in  perspiration  or  by  cold  bathing,  with  heat 
in  the  head,  slight  pain  in  the  bowels;  or  if  the  pit  of  the 
stomach  and  the  abdomen  are  sensitive  to  pressure,  or  the 
stools  contain  undigested  food,  Bryonia. 

If  discharges  of  undigested  food  follow  the  drinking  of 
bad  water,  and  Bryonia  i)roves  ineffectual,  give  China. 

For  diarrhoea,  with  flatulency,  cutting  pains  about  the 
navel  during  the  evacuation,  straining  and  great  weak- 


46  CONSEQUENCES    OF    COLDS. 

ness  at  the  same  time,  discharges  of  mucus  and  blood,  or 
if  the  patient  has  drunk  spirituous  liquors,  give  Nnx 
vomica. 

If  there  is  much  blood  and  mucus  discharged,  give  the 
remedies  recommended  for  dysentery.  If  tedious,  but  not 
violent,  especially  if  worse  in  the  morning,  SulpJatr. 

Pain  in  the  Bowels. — If  the  pain  is  violent,  spas- 
modic, pressing,  particularly  before  evacuations,  if  the  lat- 
ter are  acrid,  thin,  brownish,  and  produce  burning  in  the 
rectum,  give  China. 

For  cramp-like  pains  under  the  ribs,  moving  from  right 
to  left,  diarrhoea  which  prostrates  completely,  chilliness, 
white  coated  tongue,  bad  smell  from  the  mouth,  headache 
in  the  morning,  dullness  and  sleepiness  the  rest  of  the 
day,  give  Nux  moschata. 

If  the  pains  are  violent,  tearing  and  twisting  as  if  the 
intestines  were  in  motion,  if  the  patient  cannot  be  quiet, 
but  runs  about;  if  it  appears  as  if  a  large  ball  were  in  the 
side,  or  as  if  the  whole  abdomen  were  hollow,  with  nausea 
and  vomiting,  the  diarrhoea  watery,  slimy  or  greenish, 
with  a  smell  like  bad  eggs,  give  Chamomilla. 

For  diarrhoea  from  exposure  to  the  night  air,  greenisli 
and  watery,  with  much  pressure  before  the  discharge,  a 
disposition  to  faint,  pains  in  the  lower  abdomen,  pressing 
in  the  upper,  cutting  with  a  constant  uneasy  sensation,  as 
if  to  evacuate,  rumbling  in  the  belly,  griping  in  the  pit 
of  the  stomach,  tearing  pains  in  the  abdomen,  which  feels 
cold  to  the  hands,  with  nausea,  shivering  and  chills,  give 
Mercurius. 

If  jiartly  caused  by  a  disordered  stomach,  after  eating 
pork,  rich  pastry  and  the  like,  worse  in  the  afternoon, 
particularly  in  the  evening,  or  during  the  night,  if  the 
wind  rolls  about  in  the  stomach,  or  if  the  belly  is  sensitive 
to  pressure,  give  Pulsatilla.  The  same  to  pregnant  women, 
when  the  pains  resemble  labor-pains. 


CONSEQUENC'Ea    OF    COLDS.  47 

If  a  cold  is  followed  by  pain  with  a  disposition  to  cry, 
great  sensitiveness  and  sleeplessness,  Coffea. 

When  the  pains  are  so  violent  as  to  drive  the  patient 
almost  mad,  give  Chamomilla ;  if  the'  pains  are  always 
worse  in  the  open  and  cold  air,  but  better  in  warm  air, 
and  the  patient  is  very  changeable,  give  Nux  moschata. 

For  Headache,  from  cold,  with  rush  of  blood  to  the 
head,  increased  by  walking  or  going  uj)  stairs,  at  every 
step,  increased  by  a  draught  or  in  the  open  air,  with  a 
feeling  as  if  the  head  would  burst,  give  Belladonna. 

If  the  headache  is  more  a  pressure  on  single  spots,  with 
roaring  in  the  ears,  or  difficult  hearing,  give  Dulcamara; 
if  it  feels  as  if  the  brain  was  loose,  and  as  if  it  struck 
against  the  skull  when  shaking  the  head ;  headache  after 
breakfast,  or  worse  after  meals,  with  giddiness,  sleepiness 
and  dullness,  give  Nux  moscJiata. 

If  caused  by  a  draught  of  air,  and  merely  external,  give 
Nux  vomica ;  if  internal.  Belladonna.  If  caused  by  bathing, 
and  Belladonna  does  not  cure,  if  accompanied  by  nausea, 
giddiness,  disordered  stomach,  worse  when  smoking,  give 
Antimonium  crudum,  or,  according  to  the  symptoms,  Bry- 
onia. 

Affections  of  the  Eyes. — Compare  what  is  recom- 
mended for  "  Diseases  of  the  Eyes."  Dulcamara  will  often 
relieve.  For  much  pain,  heat,  inflammation,  acrid  tears, 
and  inability  to  bear  the  light,  give  Belladonna,  and  if 
this  does  not  cure,  Mercurius;  if  this  fails,  Ilepar. 

In  dimness  of  vision,  so  that  the  patient  is  unable  to 
read,  and  sees  sparks  before  the  eyes,  or  when  the  eyes  are 
affected  after  every  cold,  give  Didcamara,  and  afterwards 
Sulphur;  should  this  fail,  give  Calcarea. 

Affections  of  the  Ears. — Constant  buzzing  in  the 
ears  and  difficult  hearing  indicate  Didcamara;  if  they  re- 


48  CONSEQUENCES    OF    COLDS. 

turn  after  a  while  and  this  does  not  again  relieve,  give 
Sulphur. 

Tearing  pain  externally,  shooting  internally,  the  ear 
dry,  with  peevish  disposition,  indicate  Chamomilla.  Tear- 
ing, shooting,  aching  pains,  Nux  vomica ;  great  disposition 
to  cry,  the  ear  moist  or  running,  or  hot  and  red,  and  tear- 
ing-twitching pains  sometimes  also  in  the  face,  Pulsatilla; 
when  it  tears  and  shoots,  with  much  buzzing,  the  ear  not 
so  hot  and  red,  but  excoriated  by  matter,  or  if  blood  is 
discharged,  the  glands  around  the  ears  or  of  the  throat 
are  swelled,  give  Mercurius;  and  if  the  heat,  redness  and 
itching  remain,  if  there  is  shooting  when  blowing  the 
nose,  or  buzzing  and  throbbing,  give  Hepar.  Earache  of 
children  from  a  cold  is  relieved  by  Pulsatilla;  if  it  fails, 
give  Dulcamara,  or  Rltus  tox. 

If  a  discharge  with  buzzing  and  burning  in  the  ears 
remains,  give  Sulpliur. 

Toothache. — Toothache  from  cold  usually  yields  to 
Chamomilla,  Blnis  tox.  or  Nux  moschata.  See  "  Toothache," 
Part  II.  Patients  subject  to  toothache  whenever  they 
take  cold,  should  take  a  dose  of  China  or  ilcrcurius,  and 
afterwards.  Sulphur. 

Sore  Throat. — Affections  of  the  throat  from  cold  will 
in  most  cases  yield  to  Belladonna,  Dulcamara,  Mercurius, 
or  Sulphur.    See  Part  II. 

When  caused  by  drinking  very  cold  water.  Belladonna 
is  to  be  preferred ;  when  the  cold  is  general.  Dulcamara. 
When  the  throat  is  constantly  dry  and  hot,  with  frequent 
efforts  at  swallowing,  much  saliva  in  the  mouth,  or  the 
tonsils  are  swollen;  if  speaking  and  swallowing  cause 
shooting  pains;  if  the  patient  hawks  much,  swallows 
with  difficulty,  is  in  dread  of  suffocation,  the  throat  seems 
too  narrow,  what  he  drinks  comes  back  through  the  nose, 
if  he  is  very  hasty,  give  Belladonna;  and  if  this  affords 


CONSEQUENCES   OF   COLDS.  ,    49 

no  relief,  Sulplau:  When  the  pains  are  less  violent,  the 
tongue  appears  paralyzed,  there  is  much  perspiration, 
sometimes  offensive,  without  giving  any  relief,  the  patient 
is  quarrelsome,  give  Dulcamara ;  if  this  fails,  3Icrcimi(s,  or 
one  of  the  other  remedies  prescribed  under  "  Sore  Throat," 
in  Part  II. 

Nausea  anp  Vomiting. — "When  these  symptoms  appear 
after  a  cold,  particularly  when  a  rash  or  other  eruption 
has  been  suppressed,  the  best  remedy  is  Ipecacuanha.  If 
it  does  not  answer,  and  the  vomiting  is  sour  or  bitter, 
with  frequent  empty  eructations,  give  Belladonna  ;  if  noth- 
ing but  tough  phlegm  is  thrown  up,  Dulcamara;  if  worse 
after  exercise,  eating,  speaking,  or  when  riding,  or  after 
sleep,  Cocculus.  If  it  returns  from  every  motion  of  the 
body,  and  the  patient  is,  notwithstanding,  unable  to  keep 
quiet,  very  weak,  thirsty,  but  every  drink  makes  him 
worse,  give  Arsenicum.  For  spasms,  with  nausea.  Cuprum. 
After  eating  cold  fruit  or  drinking  ice-water,  Carbo  vege- 
tabilis.    See  Chapter  IV. 

Pains  in  the  Limbs. — When  the  parts  affected  feel 
uneasy,  so  as  to  require  constant  change  of  position,  every 
thing  feeling  as  if  too  hard  to  rest  upon,  and  the  limbs  as 
if  benumbed  or  strained,  worse  when  stepping  or  from  the 
slightest  jar,  the  patient  complains  even  when  a  person 
walks  across  the  room,  calls  loudly,  approaches  him,  or 
moves  his  hand,  give  Arnica.  But  if  the  pains  are  at- 
tended with  fever,  Acoj^ile,  until  the  fever  abates;  and 
then,  after  several  hours.  Arnica.  Should  these  not  be 
sufficient  refer  to  "Rheumatism,"  Part  II. 

If  the  pains  are  worse  when  at  rest,  and  at  night,  with 
lameness  or  coldness  of  the  limbs,  with  pale  swelling  or 
burning  in  the  feet,  or  with  redness  and  swelling  of  the 
big  toe,  with  a  stiff  neck,  the  skin  very  dry,  or  offensive 
perspiration  without  relief,  give  Dulcamara  or  Mcrcurius. 


OU  COXSEQUEXCES   OF    COLDS. 

If  tlie  same  symptoms  return  after  every  cold,  with 
uneasiness  at  the  approach  of  other  persons,  or  when  at- 
tempting to  swallow;  worse  when  at  rest,  better  when  in 
motion  with  swelling  and  rending,  burning  and  throbbing 
pains  in  great  toe,  give  Pliosphoric  acid. 

For  swelling  of  the  knees,  lumps  on  the  joints  of  the 
hands  and  fingers,  give  Sulphur,  and  later,  Calcami. 

When  taking  cold  causes  fever,  particularly  if  there  is 
restlessness,  thirst  and  a  dry  skin  give  Aconite.  If,  after 
two  or  three  doses,  the  fever  still  increases,  select  one  of 
the  following:  Nux  vomica  or  Chamomilla;  Belladonna  or 
Dulcamara;  Ignatia  or  Pulsatilla. 

For  fever  after  taking  cold  accompanied  by  vexation 
or  other  emotions,  or  if  a  change  of  diet  has  disagreed, 
if  the  patient  was  at  first  chilly,  or  chills  and  heat  alter- 
nate, take  Nux  vomica.  To  children  or  those  made  very 
restless  by  the  fever,  give  Aconite;  if  very  cross  and  irrit- 
able, Chamomilla. 

In  general,  the  following  nipiliiiiips  an'^wer  best  in  complaints  from  cold; 
in  acute  and  inflammatory  :i!li  rlion-.  l^rrnm  phosphoricum,  Aconitum, 
Chamomilla,  Rhiisiox.,  Nuxroiiii::! .  I'iii,-:iiilJ<:,  Hdladonna,  Colocynthis.  When 
less  violent,  Dulcamara  or  Ii>ccacnanlia.  When  tedious  and  often  returning, 
and  the  patient  has  formerly  taken  too  much  mercury,  Carbo  vegetabilis. 
Sulphur  or  China.  If  these  do  not  relieve,  Silicea  or  Hrpar.  If  these  affec- 
tions result  from  bathing,  Bryonia,  Aniimonium  crudum,  Sulphur,  or  JVur 
moschata,  and  after  a  few  weeks,  Carbo  vegetabilis  or  Calcarea.  When  the 
patient  cannot  perspire,  Chamomilla  or  China,  Arsenicum  or  Silicea.  When 
the  perspiration  is  too  copious,  Mercurius,  Phosplujric  acid,  Carbo  vegetabilis. 
Sulphur  or  Hcpar. 

When  a  person  takes  cold  very  easily,  he  should  abstain  from  the  use 
of  coffee  and  spirituous  liquors;  use  more  cold  drinks  than  warm;  wash 
himself  frequently  in  cold  water,  and  accustom  himself  more  and  more  to 
the  air  in  every  kind  of  weather ;  this  custom  wUl  gradually  diminish  the 
disposition  to  take  cold,  and  finally  remove  it  entirely,  particularly  if  tlie 
patient  takes  some  of  the  following  medicines:  Coffea,  Belladonna,  Nux 
moschata,  Nux  vomica,  China,  Dulcamara;  or  Silicea,  Carbo  vegetahilis, 
Calcarea.  The  latter  three  must  not  be  taken  too  fi-equently,  but  only  at 
long  intervals. 

If  one  is  much  afraid  of  the  cold  air,  yet  feels  worse  in  the  warm  room, 
give  Apis  ;  if  he  h;is  a  great  desire  to  go  out,  but  takes  cold  every  time  he 
does  so,  Cepa. 


COXSEQUENCES  OF   COLDS.  51 

If,  after  using  the  means  recommended  above,  there  should  still 
remain  the  same  susceptibility,  and  the  patient  be  chilled  by  every 
tlraiight  of  cold  air,  let  him  take  Nux  vomica  or  Chamomilla.  If  exposure 
to  i-old  produces  pain,  Arsenicunu  If  the  patient  is  apt  to  get  his  fingers, 
nose,  etc.,  frosted  and  he  is  not  taking  other  medicines,  let  him  rub  the 
parts  witli  spirits  of  camphor  tefore  exposure  to  the  cold.  If  the  patient 
has  chilblains,  let  him  take  the  remedies  prescribed  under  "Chilblains;" 
if  affected  by  every  bhist  of  cold  air,  Bryonia  or  Mhos  toz.,  Nux  moschata, 
Veratrum.  or  Mercurius,  and  if  they  do  not  answer,  Carbo  rerjetabilis  or 
Calcarea,  according  to  circumstances.  If  he  cannot  Ijear  the  wind,  Carbo 
vegetabitU;  if  not  a  draught,  China,  Belladonna,  Sulphur,  SUicea  or  Calcarea, 
one  after  the  other,  at  long  intervals.  If  wet,  cold  stormy  weather  disagrees 
and  he  is  benefited  by  external  warmth,  ^kx  moachata ;  if  aggravated  by 
warmth,  Mercurius.  When  the  night  air  only  is  injurious,  Mercurius  will 
prove  beneficial,  and  after  several  days  have  elapsed.  Sulphur;  to  be 
followed,  if  necessary,  by  Carbo  vegetabilis.  If  a  person  feels  ill  in  damp 
weather,  give  Dulcamara,  Nux  moschata,  Rhus  lox.,  or  Verairum,  and  later 
Carbo  vegeiabilis  or  Calcarea.  If  the  dampness  affects  the  chest,  Dulcamara 
or  Carbo  vegeiabilis. 

One  who  is  afiected  by  a  tliunder-storm,  should  take  Bryonia  during  the 
storm,  and  later  SUicea.     Phosphorus  and  Sulphur  are  also  recommended. 

For  excessive  fear  during  a  thunder-storm,  Gelseminum ;  if  this  fails, 
give  Glonoine. 

If  every  change  of  weather  aggravates  the  complaint,  give  first  Mercirius, 
Blieum  or  Bhus  tox;  later.  Sulphur  or  SUicea. 

If  a  change  from  warm  to  cold  affects  most  injuriously,  give  Dulcamara 
or  Rhus  tox  ;  if  from  cold  to  warm,  Carbo  vegeiabilis  or  Lachesis.  If  damp- 
ness affects  most,  Nux  moschata. 

For  colds  occurring  in  the  spring,  the  remedies  most  often  indicated  are, 
Veratrum,  Rhus  tox.  and  Carbo  vegeiabilis;  in  summer,  Belladonna,  Bryonia, 
Anlimonium  crudum  and  Carbo  vegetabUis;  in  autumn,  Verairum,  Mercurius 
and  Bhus  tox.;  in  winter,  dui-ing  dry  weather,  Aconitum  or  Belladonna, 
Bryonia,  Nux  vomica,  Chamomilla  or  Sulphur;  sometimes  Ipecacuanha; 
but  during  damp  weather,  Dulcamara,  Nux  moschata,  Veratrum  or  Carbo 


It  is,  however,  necessary  to  examine  closely  under  the  heads  of  the 
different  complaints,  as  these  general  remarks  are  merely  intended  to  guide 
the  patient  to  the  remedy  to  be  preferred  in  doubtful  cases. 

After  cutting  the  hair  bad  results  often  follow,  particularly  with  children, 
which  are  attributed  to  cold ;  for  sudden  faintness,  twitching  or  convul- 
sions, congestion,  heat  of  the  head,  redness  of  the  face,  or  fear  with  mistrust 
or  anxiety,  give  Glonoine;  for  fear  with  inclination  to  weep  or  run  away, 
Belladonna;  to  children,  while  cutting  teeth,  Chamomilla.  For  headache. 
Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Glonoine,  or  Pulsatilla,  according  to  the  symi)toms. 


52  CONSEQUENCES    OF    OVEKHEATING,   ETC. 


CHAPTER  III. 

CONSEQUENCES  OF  OVERHEATING,  IM- 
MODERATE EXERTION,  AND  GREAT 
EXHAUSTION. 

After  immoderate  exertion,  great  relief  will  be  felt  from 
taking  a  warm  Turkish  bath,  if  that  can  be  procured.  If 
the  limbs  are  painful,  or  burn,  they  will  be  relieved  by 
rubbing  with  the  bare  hand  or  a  soft  flannel.  Kneading 
and  rubbing  the  .muscles  of  the  back  and  limbs  afford 
great  relief. 


OVERHEATINCx. 

When  you  have  overheated  yourself  with  work  in  sum- 
mer, it  is  well  to  take  a  few  drops  of  good  whiskey  or 
brandy  on  sugar,  or  a  small  C[uantity  of  strong  wine,  and 
refrain  from  drinking  cold  water  till  your  lireath  has  the 
normal  temperature.  If  you  are  much  fatigued,  it  is  ad- 
visable to  take  a  cup  of  tea. 

Sun-Stroke. — During  the  hot  weather  of  summer,  adults 
as  well  as  children,  who  work  hard  or  exercise  too  freely 
in  the  hot  air,  are  sometimes  so  much  aflfected  by  the  heat, 
that  they  fall  down  suddenly  as  if  struck  by  ajioplexy,  or 
first  stagger,  try  to  support  themselves  and  then  sink 
down.  In  such,  cases  give  Glonoine,  particularly  if  the 
following  symptoms  are  present:  eyes  fixed,  without  ex- 
pression, glassy;  pupils  contracted;  pulse  scarcely  per- 
ceptible, or  so  quick  that  it  can  hardly  be  counted ;  loss 
of  speech  or  at  least  disinclination  to  speak;  sometimes 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    OVERHEATING,    ETC.  OO 

retching,  face  pale,  white  or  yellowish-red;  cold  sweat; 
body  cold ;  head  hot  to  the  touch,  particulai'ly  when  the 
hand  remains  long  on  the  head. 

In  all  cases  of  sun-stroke,  with  heat  of  the  head  inter- 
nally as  well  as  externally,  warm  water  should  be  used, 
either  by  applying  to  the  head  a  wet  cloth,  or  by  pouring 
the  water  ujjon  the  head. 

Application  of  ice  is  senseless,  and  blood-letting  mur- 
derous. In  some  cases  of  sun-stroke,  when  the  heat  is  not 
only  about  the  head,  but  also  over  the  whole  body ;  the . 
pupils  small,  color  of  the  face  changing;  pulse  large,  hai'd 
and  full;  when  the  patient  shows  now  and  then  signs  of 
distress  and  anxiety  by  different  movements,  as  starting, 
putting  the  hands  to  the  head,  grinding  of  the  teeth,  roll- 
ing of  the  eyes,  etc.,  give  Aconitum  in  water. 

Belladonna  must  be  given  at  once  in  cases  with  the  fol- 
lowing symptoms:  eyes  fixed,  half  open,  or  turned  up- 
wards; pupils  large,  or  very  small,  or  of  indifferent  size; 
face  red;  head  and  whole  body  hot;  involuntary  escape 
of  urine  and  fffices;  pulse  full  and  hard;  occasional  twitch- 
ing or  trembling  of  the  limbs;  putting  of  the  hands  to 
the  head;  bending  backwards  of  the  head;  heavy  sleep. 

To  habitual  drunkards,  or  if  you  smell  that  liquor  has 
been  drunk  shortly  before,  it  is  better  to  give  Nux  vomica; 
if  this  does  not  relieve,  Arsenicum. 

Similar  symptoms  may  be  caused  by  exposure  of  the  bare  head  or  nape 
of  the  nock  to  the  rays  of  the  sun,  by  sleeping  in  the  sun,  or  falling  asleep 
near  a  stove,  or  before  a  grate.  The  same  remedies,  or  one  of  the  following, 
will  be  required  according  to  the  kind  of  lieadache. 

Headache  from  Heat. — For  fullness,  as  if  the  head 
were  pressed  asunder,  worse  when  stooping,  particularly 
in  the  forehead  as  if  the  contents  would  drop  out,  increased 
by  walking,  stepping  and  every  motion,  combined  with 
hot  fever,  thirst,  vomiting  and  sleeplessness,  give  Bella- 
donna or  Bryonia.     If  combined  with  anxiety,  uneasiness. 


04  CONSEQUENCES    OF    OVEEHEATING,    ETC. 

rage  or  great  irritability,  desiiondency,  starting,  fear  of 
I)resent  objects,  lamentation,  weeping,  etc.,  give  BeUadonna. 

If  the  patient  is  very  weak  and  peevish  in  the  morning, 
cannot  bear  the  pressure  of  his  clothing,  is  more  passionate 
and  cross  than  plaintive  and  desponding,  and  apprehen- 
sive of  future  evil,  give  Bryonia. 

If  overheating  always  causes  headache,  especially  if  there 
be  heaviness,  throbbing  and  pressure  over  the  eyes,  and 
pains  in  the  eyes,  when  using  them,  give  Carbo  vcgetahUis. 

When  headache  is  caused  by  heat  or  great  exertion, 
while  exposed  to  the  sun  in  summer,  or  \ij  getting  too 
warm  before  the  fire,  or  by  ironing;  when  the  head  feels 
too  full,  and  there  exists  a  want  of  appetite,  particularly 
in  the  morning,  with  much  thirst,  fever,  trembling,  nausea 
and  vomiting,  or  diarrhoea,  give  Bryonia. 

When  the  head  feels  too  full,  with  the  sensation  of  a 
pulsating-rising,  which  threatens  ^o  burst  the  head,  give 
Glonoine. 

DiARRHCEA. — In  diarrhoea  accompanied  by  fever,  caused 
by  excessive  heat  in  summer;  and  also  in  colicky  pains 
occasioned  by  drinking  milk,  give  Bryonia.  To  a  person 
who  cannot  bear  the  heat  of  summer,  or  cannot  work  in 
the  heat,  particularly  when  troubled  with  night-sweats, 
who  is  very  sleepy,  or  suffers  from  complaints  in  tlie 
stomach  and  abdomen,  and  Bryonia  does  not  answer,  give 
Antimonium  crudum.  If  nausea,  which  is  caused  by  the 
heat,  returns  constantly,  the  remedies  prescribed  give  but 
temporary  relief,  give  Silicea. 


FATIGUE. 

The  fatigue  after  walking  a  great  distance,  or  after  much  labor,  particu- 
larly in  summer,  is  frequently  so  great  that  rest  does  not  relieve,  but,  on  the 
contrary,  seems  to  increase  it.  If  possible  let  tlie  suficrer  take  a  warm,  or 
still  better  a  Turkish  bath ;  if  that  be  impracticable,  let  him  put  his  feet 
into  warm  water,  into  which  a  handful  of  salt  lias  been  thrown.     If  this 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    OVEKHEATIXG.    ETC.  OO 

does  not  relieve,  give  Bhm  tox.     A  cup  of  tea,  not  too  strong,  is  also  to  be 
recommended. 

IiX  fatigue,  with  great  debility,  or  after  any  great  exer- 
tion, producing  great  exhaustion,  Arsenicum  will  give 
rehef 

If  the  exertion  M-as  accompanied  by  much  lifting  and 
stretching,  or  if  it  caused  perspiration,  and  the  body  has 
been  cooled  too  quickly  by  cold  air  or  water,  give  Ehus 
tox.)  particularly  if  the  joints  pain  much. 

Sliould  fatigue  produce  a  sensation  of  faintness,  or  ac- 
tual fainting,  or  if  the  23a,tient  suffered  great  fear  before 
or  during  the  exertion,  give  Veratrum;  if  this  does  not 
relieve,  give  Gelseminum;  if  no  food  had  been  taken  for  a 
long  time,  Coffea.  For  great  weakness,  in  consequence  of 
profuse  perspiration,  or  if  the  patient  was  previously  de- 
bilitated or  had  night-sweats,  give  China.  If  there  are 
symptoms  of  internal  heat,  such  as  hot  breath  and  quick 
pulse,  give  Aconite,  and  if  not  relieved  by  this,  Bryonia. 
If  the  accelerated  circulation  continues  for  several  days, 
and  the  slightest  exertion  produces  a  tendency  of  blood 
to  the  head  or  chest,  or  if  the  face  is  flushed,  give  Mercurius. 
For  soreness  in  all  the  limbs,  particularly  in  the  muscles, 
a  feeling  as  if  bruised,  Arnica  \s,  the  best  remedy. 

If  after  fatigue,  particularly  with  people  otherwise  easily 
affected,  or  such  as  cannot  bear  the  cold  air,  there  appear 
weakness,  pain  in  all  parts  on  which  they  lie,  particularly 
pain  in  the  temples ;  a  dull,  sleepy  disposition,  they  can- 
not recollect;  are  sleepy  without  getting  relief  from  sleep; 
some  are  afraid  of  going  to  sleep,  on  account  of  the  beat- 
ing in  tlio  head,  Nux  moschata  will  give  relief 

If  the  feet  have  become  sore  from  walking,  take  Arnica 
internally  and  apply  the  tincture  externally  ;  if  they  are 
blistered,  Arnica  will  do  no  good ;  if  the  walk  must  be 
continued,  apply  tallow  or  suet;  in  the  evening  take  Ccpa, 
and  apjjly  a  wet  cloth. 


56  CONSEQUENCES    OF    OVERHEATING,    ETC. 

If  the  fatigue  is  so  great  that  it  causes  internal  pains 
and  restlessness ;  if  sleep  does  not  refresh ;  every  part 
pains  at  the  slightest  touch ;  sitting  and  standing  weaken 
very  much;  walking  about  relieves  a  little;  the  beating 
of  the  pulse  is  felt  all  over  the  body,  give  Nairum  muri- 
aticum.  If  every  exertion  or  motion  causes  a  prickling 
sensation  in  different  parts  of  the  body.  Apis;  if  it  re- 
mains or  returns  again  and  again,  give  Hepar. 

.  If  the  limbs  are  painful  after  carrj'ing  or  lifting,  par- 
ticularly during  rest  or  when  moving  a  little,  and  better 
from  continued  motion,  give  Elms  tox.;  when  there  are 
shooting  pains  in  the  small  of  the  back,  especially  if  worse 
from  moving  and  not  relieved  by  continued  motion,  give 
Bryonia;  if  it  is  impossible  to  move  the  back,  on  account 
of  excessive  pain,  give  Sulphur.     See  "  Overlifting." 

If  a  person,  who  is  otherwise  in  good  health,  feels  tired 
after  the  least  exertion,  even  from  talking,  or  if  he  has 
lost  much  sleep,  give  Cocculus;  but  if  talking  makes  him 
so  tired  in  the  throat,  that 'it  pains.  Apis;  and  if  this  does 
not  relieve,  Veratrum ;  if  this  fails  also,  give  Calcarea. 

When  walking  briskly  causes  loss  of  breath,  or  cough- 
ing, stitches  in  the  side  or  pain  in  limbs,  give  Aconite;  if 
the  stitches  in  the  side  continue,  give  Arnica;  if  this  does 
not  afford  any  relief,  Bryonia. 

If  every  c|uick  motion  causes  an  almost  suffocating 
shortness  of  breath,  with  perspiration  about  the  neck, 
Sambucus  will  give  relief 

If  the  shortness  of  breath  continues,  or  becomes  worse, 
by  walking  briskly,  running,  or  ascending,  attended  with 
coughing  and  raising  of  phlegm,  give  Silicea. 

When  riding  in  a  carriage  causes  nausea,  give  Cocculus. 
If  it  causes  headache,  particularly  if  worse  after  riding, 
give  Sepia.     Compare  article  on  "Seasickness." 


CONSEQUENCES   OF   OVERHEATING,    ETC. 


SITTING  UP  AT  NIGHT 

Is  always  debilitating,  yet  every  one  should  be  able  to 
bear  it  in  case  of  need.  If  it  produces  greater  weakness 
than  u.sual,  if  persons  cannot  deprive  themselves  of  a 
few  hour's  sleeji,  give  Cocculus  or  Phosphoric  acid.  If 
sitting  up  occasions  headache,  or  if  a  person  has  taken 
much  coffee,  wine  or  spirituous  liquors  to  keep  himself 
awake,  give  Nux  vomica;  if  the  headache  is  not  caused  by 
spirituous  liquors,  and  the  patient  is  unable  to  lie  down, 
or  has  nausea,  give  Ipecacuanha.  If  the  head  is  worse  at 
night,  but  a  little  better  in  the  morning,  especially  to 
mild  tcmjiered  women,  give  Pulsatilla.  If  there  is  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head,  heaviness,  as  if  intoxicated, 
worse  when  moving  the  eyes,  with  buzzing  in  forehead, 
pale,  haggard  face,  heaviness  in  the  forehead,  hardly  able 
to  hold  up  the  head,  with  nausea,  chilliness,  weakness  and 
peevishness,  give  Nux  vomica;  particularly  if  the  patient 
is  of  a  passionate  and  energetic  disposition. 

If  the  head  feels  empty  and  light,  or  heavy;  bright 
light  is  unbearable ;  better  in  the  open  air,  worse  when 
Ij'ing  down  ;  particularly  to  mild,  yielding  persons,  give 
Pulsatilla. 

When  the  head  trembles,  is  light,  there  are  flushes  of 
heat  in  the  face,  blue  circles  around  the  eyes,  the  )nouth 
perfectly  dry  without  thirst,  loathing  of  food,  belching, 
attacks  of  nausea  with  faintness,  fullness  of  the  stomach, 
oppressed  breathing,  if  worse  in  the  air,  from  siaeaking  or 
drinking  coffee,  if  the  patient  is  very  sad  and  often  startled 
in  sleep  and  has  frightful  dreams,  give  Cocculus.  If  greatly 
excited  in  the  evening,  does  not  sleep  well,  is  weary  when 
rising,  China;  if  complaining  of  feeling  sore  all  over, 
Ai-nica. 

In  the  worst  cases,  wlien  body  and  soul  appear  worn 
out  by  want  of  sleep  and  great  exertion,  when  despondent, 


58  COXSEQUENCES    OF    OVERHEATING,    ETC. 

and  there  is  a  sensation  of  heat  deep  in  the  head,  give 
Cuprum.     See  "Mental  Exertion." 

The  eiTects  of  hxte  hours  and  late  suppers  may  be  coun- 
teracted by  Pulsatilla  or  Nux  vomica,  according  to  the 
above  indications,  or  by  Lachesls  or  Carbo  vcfjetabilis.  See 
"Consequences  of  Intoxication." 


CONFINEMENT  AND  EXCESSIVE  MENTAL  APPLI- 
CATION. 

Excessive  mental  application  is  always  injurious. 
Everyone  should  daily  exercise  in  the  open  air  for  at 
least  one  or  more  hours.  If  close  confinement  has  pro- 
duced abdominal  symptoms,  and  if  the  patient  has  been 
accustomed  to  coffee  or  spirituous  liquors,  Nux  vovilca, 
taken  in  the  evening,  will  often  have  a  good  effect ;  if  af- 
ter several  days, the  symptoms  return,  give  Sulphur.  When 
the  head  feels  heavy  and  dull,  Nux  vomica  is  a  good  re- 
medy;  if  there  is  congestion  to  the  head,  dizziness,  throb- 
bing of  the  arteries  in  the  neck,  indicating  brain  fever, 
give  Belladonna.  See  "Headache."  If  these  medicines 
prove  ineffectual,  and  if  every  exertion  of  the  mind  causes 
headache,  give  Calcarea  or  Lacliem.  If  there  is  merely  a 
sensation  of  giddiness,  as  if  drunken,  give  to  passionate 
people,  Nux  vomica;  to  mild,  lachrymose  subjects,  Pulsa- 
tilla.  Toothache,  cough,  fainting,  and  other  complaints 
caused  by  mental  application,  often  yield  to  Nux  vomica. 


EXCESSES 

Injure  liody  and  mind  more  tlian  anvtliing  else.  If  tlicy  consist  in  intcm- 
|ieranrc  in  eatin.;  or  drinking,  apply  tlio  remedies  jircscribed  under  "  Dis- 
(irdcixil  stiiniarh."  But  if  they  are  sueli  a.s  waste  the  very  marrow  and 
essence  of  the  constitution,  the  greatest  abstemiousness  is  a  most  absolute 
condition. 


CONSEQUENCES   OF   OVEKHEATING.    ETC.  59 

The  principal  remedy,  and  the  one  whioh  should  be 
given  lirst,  but  which  may  be  given  repeatedly  after  other 
remedies,  is  China.  Afterwards,  and  particularly  if  the 
patient  bitterly  regrets  his  vicious  conduct,  give  Phosphoric 
acid.  Look  also  under  the  head  of  the  special  complaint 
of  the  patient,  and  select  in  preference  such  remedies  as 
China,  riiosjjltoric  acid,  Staphisagria,  Nuz  vomica,  Sulphur 
or  Dulcamara,  whichever  may  seem  to  suit  best. 

The  same  treatment  is  recommended  when  the  patient 
has  lost  his  strength  by  self-abuse ;  give  in  the  beginning 
China,  Staphisagria,  or  Nux  vomica  ;  later  Phosphoric  acid. 
Sulphur  or  Calcarea. 

The  patient  should  be  persuaded  to  leave  off  his  bad 
habits,  and  encouraged  to  constant  occupation,  even  hard 
work ;  he  should  eat  sparingly,  take  little  sleep,  abstain 
from  all  spirituous  liquors,  avoid  bad  company,  and  ab- 
stain from  reading  books  calculated  to  excite  the  passions. 

Should  a  morbid  irritation  trouble  the  patient,  which  is  often  the  case 
with  children,  select  one  of  the  following  medicines :  China,  Mercurius, 
Carbo  ve(/etabUis,  2^ux  voniiai,  PtdsatUla,  Staphisayria  ot  Anlimonlum  crudum, 
SiUcca,  Platinum,  Cutnirni,  S.jiia  i.i-  <  'mxidas.  Frequently,  when  China  and 
Carbo  ver/etabitis  are  iii^ullic  inii,  J/,  rmrins  will  effect  more;  if  not,  Sulphur. 
Those  remedies  must  not  In;  ri'|iLatLcl  often;  Coffea,  Opium,  Aconite,  Ignatia 
may  be  given  intermediately  according  to  circumstances. 

All  those  who  liave  become  so  much  debilitated  by  excesses,  that  they 
are  e:isily  affected  by  every  little  current  of  air,  or  cold  wet  weather,  prefer 
remaining  in-doors,  or  are  very  peevish  and  fickle,  will  be  relieved  by  Nux 
moschala. 

If  these  vices  have  so  weakened  the  constitution,  that  the  effects  appear 
even  after  marriage,  although  then  living  moderately,  give,  if  the  Ixead  is 
much  affected,  Calcarea.  For  great  weakness  and  trembling  of  the  legs,  the 
same;  for  asthma,  Staphisagria;  burning  in  the  parts,  Mercuriua  or  Carbo 
vegetabilis.  Weakness  in  the  feet,  heaviness,  and  a  feeling  of  soreness  in 
the  limbs,  dullness,  ill-humor  and  lassitude,  may  be  remedied  by  Cocculus. 

A  good  liomoeopathic  physician  will  restore  all  such  cases.  Never  con- 
sult a  quack  who  professes  to  make  a  specialty  of  treating  these  complaints 
with  secret  medicines.  If  such  remedies  were  of  any  use,  the  discoverer 
would  be  more  successful  by  introducing  them  to  the  notice  of  physicians. 
Great  harm  is  often  done  by  the  use  of  patent  medicines,  and  your  complaint 
will  be  the  harder  to  cure  because  your  pliysician  must  remain  in  the  dark 
as  to  the  nature  of  the  drug  with  which  you  have  been  dosed. 


bU  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING. 

LOSS  OF  BLOOD  AND  OTHER  FLUIDS. 

Loss  of  fluids  by  excessive  perspiration  or  purging,  or 
long  continued  diarrhoea,  too  long  suckling  of  ciiildren, 
too  great  a  flow  of  milk,  too  copious  and  long  standing 
monthly  discharge,  blood-letting  by  the  lancet,  or  loss  of 
blood  by  other  means,  often  occasion  great  weakness,  ac- 
companied by  other  symptoms;  dizziness,  headache,  pal- 
pitations, etc.  In  all  such  cases  give  China.  If  any  of 
the  above  causes,  particularly  improper  bleeding,  should 
produce  fainting  or  convulsions,  immediately  give  China, 
and  do  nothing  else;  as  soon  as  the  sick  person  recovers, 
if  his  mouth  is  very  dry,  or  if  he  moves  the  tongue,  give 
him  a  little  cold  water;  if  he  faints  again,  or  has  spasms, 
or  if  ho  does  not  recover  entirely,  give  him  a  teaspoonful 
of  good  old  wine;  after  a  while  repeat,  if  necessary,  the 
China,  and  later,  the  wine.  After  this,  give  him  as  much 
cold  water  as  he  wishes  to  drink,  but  not  too  much  at 
once.  Should  any  sj-mptoms  remain  which  are  not  re- 
lieved by  China,  give  Phosphoric  acid;  should  this  fail,  Nux 
vomica,  and  later,  Arsenicum  ov  Sulphur.  Compare  article 
on  "  Piles  and  Hemorrhage." 


CHAPTER  IV. 
CONSEQUENCES  OF  SURFEITING. 

DISORDERED  STOMACH. 

When  a  person  has  eaten  too  much,  or  partaken  of  any 
thing  heavy,  and  soon  after  feels  that  his  stomach  is  out 
of  order,  let  him  take  a  cup  of  strong  coffee  without  milk ; 
should  headache  or  other  comjilaints  follow,  jiarticularly 


I 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING.  Gl 

pressure  in  pit  of  llio  stomaeli,  oppression,  nausea,  or  in 
children  trembling  and  coldness,  give  Pulsatilla  in  water 
every  half  hour  until  relieved.  If  the  patient  retches 
constantly  and  looks  pale,  give  Ipecacuanha;  if  the  retch- 
ing is  accompanied  by  heat,  particularly  in  the  head,  the 
patient  tosses  about  anxious  and  distressed.  Aconite. 
Chilliness  indicates  rulsatilla;  great  coldness  with  violent 
pains  in  the  stomach,  J'eratruin..  If  there  remains  head- 
aclie,  pressure  and  heaviness  in  the  stomach,  and  qual- 
mishness, give  Chamomilla ;  if  this  fails,  Nux  vomica. 

If  there  is  no  improvement  felt  on  the  following  morning 
and  loathing,  nausea,  inclination  to  vomit,  still  continue, 
if  there  are  risings  with  a  bad  mouldy  taste  and  smell, 
resembling ,  the  smell  of  the  food  that  has  been  taken, 
give  Antimonium  crudum;  if  there  is  rising  with  a  bitter 
taste,  Bryonia;  or  when  putrid,  Nuz  vomica;  if  like  rotten 
eggs.  Arnica;  if  greasy,  Pulsatilla;  and  if  acrid  and  bitter, 
Arsenicum.  The  patient  ought  to  take  no  nourishment 
but  gruel,  barley  water,  tea  and  toast,  and  lastly  thin 
broth,  for  two  or  three  days,  to  give  the  stomach  time  to 
recover  its  functions. 

A  disordered  stomach  produced  by  eating  pork,  or 
other  fat  meat,  pastiy,  rancid  butter,  etc.,  will  be  relieved 
by  Pulsatilla.     If  this  does  not  suffice,  try  Carlo  vcgctahiUs. 

For  complaints  after  eating  pastry,  fresh  bread  or  cake 
while  warm ;  the  patient  groans  and  feels  oppressed  as  if 
his  stomach  would  burst,  give  Belladonna. 

A  disordered  stomach  from  other  food,  risings  with  a 
taste  of  what  has  been  eaten,  nausea,  inclination  to  vomit, 
will  yield  to  Antimonium  crudum  or  Pulsatilla. 

Tor  a  disordered  stomach  from  eating /rui<,  Arsenicum  or 
Pulsatilla;  nausea  and  belching,  dry  mouth,  without 
thirst,  Pulsatilla;  much  vomiting,  constant  desire  to  drink 
a  little  at  a  time,  Arsenicum;  to  persons  in  the  habit  of 
drinking  beeror  malt  liquors,  Pulsatilla;  spirituous  liquors, 
Arsenicum;  children  of  a  mild,  vielding,  timid,  tearful  dis- 


62  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING. 

position,  afraid  of  strangers,  Pulsatilla;  obstinate  children 
who  are  easily  offended  and  become  enraged,  and  are 
afraid  of  being  alone,  Arsenicum;  constantly  asking  for 
different  things,  Bryonia  or  Pulsatilla;  if  not  inclined  to 
give  any  thing  to  others,  or  if  cross  for  being  looked  at, 
Arsenicum.     Compare  "  Diarrhoea." 

For  bad  effects  from  eating  ice-cream,  take  Arsenicum; 
from  drinking  ice  water,  or  a  variety  of  mild  drinks,  Carbo 
vcffctabilis. 

For  disordered  stomach  from  bad,  sour  wine,  particu- 
larly with  much  nausea,  Antimonium  crudum;  from  wine 
containing  sulphur,  Pulsatilla;  from  sour  beer  or  vinegar, 
Aconite,  particularly  when  there  is  a  pressing  pain  in  the 
stomach,  nausea,  inclination  to  vomit,  and  vomiting  of 
phlegm  or  blood;  if  the  vomiting  is  sour,  with  burning 
in  the  throat,  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels  and  purging, 
Hepar.  For  vomiting  of  food,  burning  in  the  stomach 
and  abdomen,  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels,  with  coldness, 
agitation  and  thirst,  Arsenicum;  if  connected  with  great 
debility  and  sensitiveness  to  warm  and  cold,  or  damp  and 
dry  weather,  Carho  vegetabilis.-^ 

For  disordered  stomach,  from  stale  fish  or  meat,  give 
forthwith  a  small  quantity  Of  pulverized  charcoal,  and  if 
this  does  not  remove  all  the  unpleasant  symi^toms,  China; 
if  there  is  a  foul  rising,  and  putrid  taste,  give  Pulsatilla. 

For  disordered  stomach  from  salt  victuals,  Carbo  ver/cta- 
hilis.  Long-lasting,  bad  effects  from  eating  too  much  salt 
may  be  removed  by  an  occasional  dose  of  Phosphorus.  For 
disordered  stomach  from  eating  cabbage,  especially  sour 
crout,  give  Bryonia.  Complaints  after  eating  very  hot 
food,  Causticum. 

For  directions  to  remove  the  symptoms  from  eating  old 
cheese,  sausages,  spoiled  smoked  beef,  etc., — see  article  on 
"Poisoning." 

Overfeeding  of  Children. — Children  are  not  unfre- 


COXSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING.  G3 

quently  made  ill  by  overfeeding,  or  by  giving  them  indi- 
gestible food,  such  as  pap  made  of  flour,  crackers,  bread 
not  sufficiently  baked,  and  the  like;  especially  when  they 
are  rocked  too  much,  and  are,  moreover,  dosed  with  rhu- 
barb, salts,  castor  oil,  etc.  All  these  things  should  be 
avoided.  To  check  vomiting,  give  Ipecacuanha,  particu- 
larly if  the  vomiting  is  accompanied  by  purging.  If  this 
does  not  soon  relieve,  give  Pulsatilla.  If  there  is  purging, 
with  discharge  of  undigested  food,  aijd  if  the  child  was 
already  debilitated  by  aperients  or  long  continued  diar- 
rhoja,  China.  If  vomiting  is  accompanied  by  constipa- 
tion, Nux  vomica. 

Very  young  children  siifier  more  often  from  overfeeding  than  from  star- 
vation. Anxious  motliers  and  nurses  should  reflect  that  bahies,  stomachs 
are  not  adapted  for  large  quantities.  They  sho\ild  receive  nourishment 
often  and  little  at  a  time.  Once  in  two  or  three  hours  is  often  enough. 
The  quantity  should  be  regulated  according  to  the  condition  and  strength 
of  the  child. 

The  same  kind  of  diet  should  not  be  persevered  in  too  long ;  a  variety  of 
things  should  be  tried  and  that  which  seems  most  palatable  to  the  child,  if 
it  is  a  wholesome  article,  made  the  chief  article  of  diet.  Milk  should  be 
brought  to  the  boiling  point,  then  allowed  to  stand  till  it  cools,  and  the 
scum  that  forms  on  the  top  carefully  removed ;  never  allow  milk  to  boil 
for  any  length  of  time,  boiling  makes  it  indigestible.  Thin  gruel  agrees 
better  with  some.  If  a  more  substantial  fare  is  required  they  should  have 
grits,  raa<le  of  wheat,  in  preference  to  pap  made  of  flour.  Or  fill  a  linen 
bag  with  wheat-flour  as  tightly  as  possible,  tlien  tie  it  up  well  and  keep  it 
in  boiling  Wiiter  for  three  hours.  After  that  take  it  out  and  let  it  get  cold. 
Upon  removing  the  bag,  you  will  obtain  a  hard  mass,  from  which  the  outer 
crust  must  be  jieeled  off.  Then  grate  as  much  of  it  as  is  required  for  a 
meal,  and  have  it  boiled  in  water,  subsequently  adding  milk  or  broth. 
Baked  rusks  are  also  good  for  children,  provided  they  are  not  too  brown. 
Pearl  barley  boiled  to  a  jelly  and  p.assed  through  a  sieve,  often  agrees  better 
tlian  any  other  kind  of  food. 

Headache. — If  headache  with  nausea  follows  a  disor- 
dered stomach,  and  the  whole  head  feels  as  if  every  thing 
in  it  were  bruised,  give  Ipecacuanha.  For  oppressive 
headache,  with  heat  in  the  brain,  worse  after  walking, 
reading,  or  eating,  with  putrid  taste,  Arnica.     For  throb- 


b-±  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING. 

bing,  shooting  headache,  worse  when  talking,  witli  much 
nausea,  take  Aconite;  for  dull,  general  headache,  worse 
whilst  going  up  stairs,  and  from  smoking  tobacco,  with- 
out appetite,  with  a  bitter  taste,  rising,  hiccough,  loathing 
and  nausea,  worse  after  drinking  wine  Antimonium 
crudum. 

For  burning,  pressing-bursting  headache,  worse  when 
stooping,  as  if  all  would  fall  through  the  forehead,  throb- 
bing or  tearing  and  piercing  pain  when  walking,  or 
splashing  as  if  from  water,  worse  in  the  morning  early,  or 
with  chills,  give  Bryonia. 

A  one-sided,  or  rending,  throbbing,  jerking  headache, 
worse  in  the  evening  after  Ij'ing  down,  attended  with  a 
putrid  or  earthy  taste  in  the  mouth,  and  without  thirst, 
is  relieved  by  Pulsatilla.  If  there  is  heaviness  in  the 
head,  and  great  soreness  of  the  scalp  when  toilched,  with 
trembling  in  the  jaws,  a  salty  taste,  and  cramp  in  the 
stomach,  give  Carbo  vcgetabilis;  especially  to  persons  who 
have  taken  much  mercury. 

Eructations  or  Risings. — Sec  beginning  of  the  chapter. 

Vomiting. — If  occasioned  by  a  disordered  stomach  and 
the  tongue  is  coated,  give  Ipecacuanha;  if  the  tongue  is 
clean,  Tartar  emetic;  if  produced  by  eating  too  much  bread,' 
and  attended  with  great  oppression  about  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  Bryonia. 

If  produced  by  overloading  the  stomach  and  attended 
with  bitter  taste,  or  when  a  burning  sensation  in  the 
throat  remains  after  vomiting,  rulsatilla. 

If  accompanied  by  much  loud  belching  of  wind,  liot 
face,  and  palpitation  of  the  heart,  Sepia. 

Cramps  occasioned  by  disordered  stomach  are  often 
cured  by  the  same  remedies,  according  to  the  similarity 
of  the  causes.  For  other  remedies,  see  "Stomach"  and 
"  Cramps." 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING.  G5 

Flatulency. — If  it  swells  the  belly,  renders  breathing 
difficult,  and  is  caused  by  Hatulent  food  or  drink,  such 
as  cabbage,  especially  sour  crout,  if  from  new  beer  and 
the  like,  and  particularly  when  there  is  a  painful  tight- 
ness across  the  belly,  with  pains  and  pressure  about  the 
navel,  if  at  times  he  passes  offensive  wind,  and  is  chilled 
after  drinking,  take  China.  If  drinking  gives  rise  to 
pressure  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  which  obstructs 
breathing,  the  clothes  around  the  ribs  feel  too  tight,  and 
there  is  a  weight  as  from  stones  in  the  abdomen,  Nux 
vomica. 

If  caused  by  eating  fat  food,  after  which  much  water 
has  been  drunk,  when  the  wind  rolls  in  the  bowels,  the 
belly  appearing  too  full  and  hard,  worse  in  the  evening, 
Pulsatilla. 

If  oppression  of  the  chest  proceeds  from  an  accumula- 
tion of  wind,  with  jerking  and  shooting  pains,  a  tension 
about  the  pit  of  the  stomach — without  exactly  swelling 
the  belly — causing  a  state  of  utter  restlessness  and  anxiety, 
Phosphorus  will  afford  relief 

Persons  subject  to  flatulency  may  take  as  much  of 
finely  pulverized  wood-charcoal  as  will  lie  on  the  end  of 
a  dessert-knife,  once  or  twice  a  day;  but  if  Carbo  vegetabilis 
will  give  relief,  the  improvement  will  last  much  longer. 
Persons  who  pass  offensive  wind,  should  refrain  from  eat- 
ing eggs. 

Colic. — Sudden  attacks  caused  by  eating  too  much,  or 
by  a  foul  stomach,  are  often  relieved  by  taking  coffee 
without  milk;  if  this  fails,  give  Ipecacuanha,  Pulsatilla, 
Colocynthis,  or  some  other  remedy  indicated  under  "  Colic." 

DiARRHdiA. — Arising  from  disordered  stomach,  is  gen- 
erally cured  by  Pulsatilla;  in  children,  when  accompanied 
with  nausea  and  vomiting,  by  Ipecacuanha;  in  children 
who  arc  sleepless,  excited  and  too  lively,  by  Coffea ;    if 


GO  CONSEQUENCES    OF   SURFEITING. 

cutting  pains  in  the  bowels  seem  to  go  upwards  and  pro- 
duce nausea,  and  there  is  great  weakness  after  each  evac- 
uation, by  Nux  vomica.     See  "  Diarrhoea." 

For  diarrhoea  after  eating  fruit.  Ipecacuanha;  if  the 
evacuations  are  slimy,  accompanied  by  slight  pain  and 
the  external  belly  is  sore,  Pulsatilla;  wlieu  the  discharges 
are  watery,  very  offensive,  with  burning  and  cutting  pain 
in  the  belly,  Arsenicum.  If  the  diarrhoea  is  worse  after 
midnight  until  morning,  give  Arsenicum;  if  later  in  the 
morning,  Pulsatilla.  Compare  what  is  said  above  under 
"  Disordered  Stomach." 

Sleeplessness. — If  produced  by  overloading  the  stom- 
ach, it  often  yields  to  Cojfea,  particularly  with  children,  or 
to  Pulsatilla.     If  caused  by  strong  coffee,  Nux  vomica. 

Nightmare. — From  eating  too  much,  can  only  be  pre- 
vented by  avoiding  the  cause.  A  person  who  is  subject 
to  this  complaint,  should  not  eat  too  much  at  night,  and 
take  the  medicines  recommended  for  "  Nightmare." 

Fever,  with  chilliness,  disordered  stomach,  diarrhoea 
or  constipation,  particularly  in  persons  of  a  passionate, 
cross  temper,  may  be  removed  by  Bryonia;  to  phlegmatic, 
awkward  persons  who  are  easily  offended,  give  Capsicum. 
If  the  fever  returns  every  second  day,  Antimonium  crudum 
or  Ipecacuanha.    See  "  Fevers." 

Rash  arising  from  a  disordered  stomach,  with  chilliness 
and  depression  of  spirits,  is  often  cured  by  Pulsatilla;  w'ith 
sickness  of  the  stomach  and  difficulty  of  breathing,  by 
Ipecacuanha;  if  this  proves  useless,  give  Bryonia.  If 
caused  by  noxious  food,  see  "Poisoning."  For  other 
remedies,  see  "  Eruptions." 

Indisposition  from  Cold  Water  or  Ice. — If  drinkinj 


COXSEQUENCES   OF   SURFEITING. 


07 


oj  water  confuses  the  head,  produces  nausea  and  heat, 
take  Cocculus.  If  it  produces  cough  and  headache,  Aco- 
nite; if  cough,  vomiting  and  chills,  Arsenkum;  if  bad 
taste,  as  if  the  water  were  impure,  coldness  in  the  belly, 
paiu  in  the  bowels  and  chills,  China ;  if  nausea  with  jiain  in 
tlie  bowels,  Pulsatilla;  and  if  this  does  not  give  relief, 
Elius  tox. 

If  drinking  water  produces  hiccough,  take  Tgnafia;  op- 
pression at  the  stomach,  Fcmim;  if  it  causes  bloating  of 
the  abdomen,  as  from  flatulency,  with  pressure  in  the  pit 
of  the  stomach,  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  chills,  take 
NiLc  vomica;  if  it  causes  constant  inclination  to  go  to  stool, 
and  purging.  Capsicum;  pain  in  the  chest  and  shudder- 
ing, Vcratrum. 

If  it  is  followed  by  toothache,  take  Bryonia,  Mercurius,  or 
Staphisagria,  according  to  symptoms.  If  merely  sensitive- 
ness of  the  teeth,  without  pain,  Mercurius  or  Sulphur.  See 
"Toothache." 

If  a  person  habitually  takes  cold  in  the  stomach  from 
drinking  cold  water,  and  has  in  consequence  accustomed 
himself  to  mix  spirits  with  the  water,  and  wishes  to  leave 
off  this  habit,  let  him  try  some  of  the  medicines  recom- 
mended above.  If  he  does  not  succeed,  let  him  take  a 
drop  of  pure  sulphuric  acid,  and  mix  it  with  a  pint  of 
water  by  pouring  it  for  some  time  from  one  tumbler  into 
another,  and  take  a  table-spoonful  of  this  in  the  morning, 
fasting,  once  or  twice.  This  will  often  warm  the  stomach, 
and  gradually  accustom  it  to  jiure  water  again. 

When  drinking  hastily  disorders  the  stomach,  give  Silicca. 

When  cold  drinks  cause  indisposition,  Nnx  vomica  or 
Staphisagria  may  give  relief;  if  not,  try  Calcarea. 

Sudden  indisposition  from  ice — or  very  cold  water,  taken 
in  hot  weather,  generally  yields  to  Opium  or  Glonoinc. 
See  "Sunstroke."  Give  Glonoine  especially  if  accompanied 
by  a  tendency  of  blood  to  the  head,  twitching  in  the  face, 
unconsciousness  and  giddiness  almost  to  reeling.     I'er- 


68  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SURFEITING. 

sons  in  the  habit  of  drinking  spirituous  liquors  require 
Nux  vomica.  If  the  countenance  is  pale,  if  there  is  a  sen- 
sation of  choking  and  drooping,  a  few  drops  of  spirits  of 
camphor,  on  sugar,  or  diluted  with  water,  may  be  ad- 
ministered. Should  any  symptoms  remain,  such  as  head- 
ache, or  rush  of  blood  to  the  head.  Belladonna  or  Glonoine 
will  be  beneficial;  see  "  Headache."  For  affections  of  the 
stomach,  fever,  etc.,  give  Carbo  vegetahiUs  or  Arsenicum. 

For  long-standing  disorders  of  the  stomach,  caused  by 
drinking  ice-water  in  the  summer,  attended  with  great 
weariness,  little  appetite,  if  whatever  food  is  taken  lies 
like  a  weight  on  the  stomach,  or  is  thrown  off  again,  some- 
times this  Is  sour,  with  soreness  of  the  stomach  upon 
pressure;  if  the  stomach  and  abdomen  are  distended  by 
wind,  the  flatulency  becoming  very  troublesome,  the 
symptoms  growing  worse  in  the  open  air,  Carho  vegetahiUs 
will  be  serviceable.   , 

If  there  are  pains  in  the  stomach,  or  other  symptoms 
arising  in  consequence  of  having  swallowed  pieces  of  ice, 
Arsenicum  will  be  the  remedy,  or  Pulsatilla. 

Arsenicum  may  be  administered  in  cases  with  violent 
pressure  on  the  stomach,  a  burning  sensation  confined  to 
a  small  spot,  or  extending  over  the  stomach  or  abdomen, 
great  anxiety  and  disquietude  indicated  by  the  counte- 
nance; tongue  dry;  constant  thirst,  drinking  often  but 
little  at  a  time;  every  thing  has  a  saltish  taste;  nausea 
produced  by  motion,  or  after  drinking,  even  to  vomiting 
sometimes  of  bile. 

Pulsatilla  if  there  is  a  cramp-like  pressure  in  the  stom- 
ach worse  after  eating,  in  some  cases  attended  by  vomit- 
ing; the  countenance  expressing  a  disposition  to  cry;  the 
tongue  slimy,  taste  insipid ;  no  thirst;  nausea  after  eating 
and  drinking,  worse  in  the  afternoon  and  evening,  M'ith 
sour  rising,  sometimes  of  wind  only,  retaining  the  taste  of 
what  the  patient  has  eaten. 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIKITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC.  G9 

Tlie  same  remedies  will  answer  in  afTections  of  the  stomach,  produced  by 
eating  coldfi^uit,  ice-cream  and  tlie  like.  It  is  particularly  injurious  to  eat 
ice-cream  as  a  dessert ;  directly  after  eating,  the  stomach  needs  and  pro- 
duces licat  for  digestion ;  anything  very  cold  taken  at  this  time,  must 
therefore  prove  doubly  injurious.  Sometimes  a  kind  of  paralysis  of  the 
stomach  ensues,  which  occasionally  yields  to  Arsenicum. 

Every  one  should  be  able  to  drink  milk;  if  it  docs  not  agree,  it  is  an 
indication  that  there  is  something  wrong  about  the  stomach.  If  it  pro- 
duces a  sour  taste  in  the  mouth  or  costiveness,  give  Xtix  vomica;  if  pains  in 
the  bowels  and  diarrhoea.  Sepia  or  L'jcopodium;  and  if  there  is  rising  and 
vomiting  of  phlegm  and  other  complaints,  and  the  other  remedies  have  had 
no  eCect,  Sulphur;  if  it  produces  long-lasting  nausea,  Calcarea. 

Persons  who  feel  indisposed  after  drinhing  malt  liquors,  will  do  well  to 
refrain  from  them,  at  least  from  the  stronger  kinds,  which  sometimes  owe 
their  strength  and  bitterness  to  injurious  drugs.  But  if  the  head  should 
become  too  easily  aiTected  after  drinking  good  beer,  etc.,  take  Hhus  tax.,  or 
Belladonna.  If  the  beer  causes  vomiting,  take  Ferrum;  if  nausea,  Arseni- 
cum; if  colic,  Coloc'jnth. 

If  a  person  has  taken  a  little  too  much  wine  and  feels  ill  therefrom,  he 
may  take  iVux  vomica;  if  the  smallest  cpiantity  of  wine  affects  the  head, 
take  Zincum. 

Whoever  feels  indisposed  after  drinking  Vrandy,  may  congratulate  him- 
self; tlie  best  and  most  salutary  advice  we  can  give  him  is — to  let  it  alone. 
A  dose  of  JS^ux  vomica,  however,  may  moderate  the  injurious  effects. 


CHAPTER  V. 

CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS, 
COFFEE,  TEA,  TOBACCO,  ACIDS,  ETC. 

DRUNKENNESS. 

Habitual  drunkenness  is  ruin  to  individuals,  a  calamity  to  families,  and 
a  serious  loss  to  a  nation.  It  is  therefore  no  wonder,  that  benevolent  minds 
have  proposed  remedies  to  jirovcnt  such  great  evils ;  neither  is  it  astonishing 
that  many  who  are  as  ignorant  of  history,  as  of  the  laws  of  the  life  of  man 
and  nations,  should  run  mad  with  a  most  fanatic  opposition  to  alcohol, 
bundling  up  with  it  all  kinds  of  malt  liquors,  and  even  tlic  most  noble  of 
all  the  productions  of  nature — wine. 

Ministers,  as  ignorant  of  the  original  language  of  tlie  gospel,  as  of  the 


70  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRIT  UOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC. 

most  common  laws  of  chemistry,  tell  their  flock,  that  the  wine,  mentioned 
in  the  New  Testament,  is  grape-juice,  not  fermenteil  and  not  "intoxicating." 

The  Greek  word  used  in  the  New  Testament  for  wine  is  otvoc,  which 
means  fermented  grape-Jiiiee;  the  word  unfermented  ffrape-juiee  is  yXsjxiiq, 
and  tlio  word  for  drunkenness  is  uivmaiq.  signifying  that  drunkenness  comes 
from  fermented  wine. 

The  liistory  of  tlie  human  race  proves  most  clearly,  and  without  a  single 
exeeption,  that  there  never  was  in  any  nation  a  popular  development  of 
science,  literature  and  the  fine  arts,  until  after  the  introduction  and  culture 
of  the  grape-vine,  or  as  in  England  and  Sweden,  after  a  focilitated  importa- 
tion of  wine. 

The  latest  chemical  analyses  Iiave  also  proved,  that  wine  contains  com- 
binations of  phosphorus,  which  is  a  most  important  nourishment  of  the 
brain  upon  which  depends  its  highest  development. 

For  the  individual,  wine  m.ay  not  be  a  condition,  without  wliich  no  great 
works  of  the  mind  can  be  produced,  but  it  is  so  with  nations.  No  great 
minds  can  arise  in  a  nation,  in  which  there  is  not  a  large  number  of  men  of 
great  brains. 

Hence  the  religion  of  the  Jews  acknowledges  the  grape-vine  as  a  gift  of 
God  after  tlie  flood,  to  prevent  another  sinking  of  the  human  race. 

Hence  in  the  religion  of  tlie  Cliristians,  the  wine  is  holy  as  an  indis- 
pensable link  between  the  Lord  and  mankind. 

Mahomedanism  forbids  the  use  of  wine,  of  course  without  any  good  effect 
wliatever,  for  its  absence  encourages  the  use  of  opium,  hemp-juice  and  other 
dangerous  substitutes. 

The  absence  of  wine  promotes  the  dangerous  use  of  alcohol  and  drunken- 
ness. 

All  intelligent  travellers  agree  in  allowing  that  drunkenness  is  by  no 
means  common,  nay,  that  it  is  a  rare  thing  in  wine-producing  countries. 
Thus  the  true  remedy  against  a  popular  inclination  to  drunkenness  would 
be,  with  every  wise  law-giver,  to  favor  the  consumption  of  wine  by  facili- 
tating the  home-production  and  the  importation  of  wine. 

The  pitiful  condition,  drunkenness,  in  which  we  still  see  so  many  persons 
neeils  no  description.  However,  drunk  a  person  m.-iv  be,  the  best  way  is 
to  let  liim  sleep  it  oft";  but  sometimes  it  may  be  necessary  to  restore  him 
soon — at  least  so  far  that  he  can  be  removed,  in  which  case  the  bc:;t  remedy 
is  an  external  application  of  cold  water;  if  there  is  vomiting  and  retelling 
give  black  coffee  as  much  as  he  will  drink,  and  hot.  If  the  drunkenness  is 
from  malt  liquor,  tea  will  be  more  beneficial. 

If  he  is  not  quite  so  far  gone,  a  cloth  dipped  in  cold  water,  and  wrapped 
round  the  abdomen  and  loins  may  suffice ;  some  are  more  quickly  restored 
when  the  wet  cloth  is  applied  to  the.  nape  of  tiie  neck  or  back  of  the  liead. 

If  tliG  face  of  a  drunken  man  has  a  purjile  hue,  his  look 
fixed,  if  he  does  not  come  to  his  senses,  the  throwing  on 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIKITUOUS    LIQUOKS,    ETC.  71 

of  cold  water  producing  only  temporary  effect — when 
there  is  twitching  and  trembling  in  the  face  and  around 
the  mouth,  or  a  cramp  prevents  the  opening  of  the  mouth 
— apply  a  cloth,  dipped  into  cold  water,  to  the  head,  and 
give  Opium  every  fifteen  minutes  until  he  improves;  if 
this  fails,  give  Aconite  or  Belladonna;  according  to  symp- 
toms. 

If  children  are  made  tipsy  by  thoughtless  or  vile  persons 
— or  swallow  brandy  by  accident — wash  their  head  and 
abdomen  with  cold  water,  and  give  them,  every  quarter 
of  an  hour,  a  teaspoonful  of  hot  water,  a  pint  of  which 
has  been  poured  on  a  bitter  almond.  If  they  do  not  soon 
fall  into  a  sound  sleep,  give  Nux  vomica.  If  they  fall 
into  a  stujjefied  sleep,  with  snoring,  the  face  red  and  the 
head  hot  and  sweating,  give  Opium.  If  they  are  too 
lively  and  merry  and  cannot  sleep,  Coffea.  If  they  have 
fever,  with  constant  tossing  about,  give  Aconite,  and  if 
this  does  not  remove  it  in  two  hours.  Belladonna.  If  they 
fall  into  convulsions,  give  first  Opium,  if  this  does  not 
answer,  Nux  vomica,  and  if  this  fails  Chamomilla. 

Some  ignorant  women  when  confined,  take  from  habit,  or  by  the  advice 
of  stupid  midwives  or  monthly  nurses,  spirituous  liquors,  to  obtain  sleep  for 
themselves  and  the  child.  This  is  an  abominable  habit;  they  expose 
themselves  and  the  child  to  the  greatest  danger ;  and  if  not  attended  by 
immediate  bad  consequences,  it  may  be  in  the  future.  Under  these 
circumstances,  select  for  the  mother  and  child  one  of  the  above  mentioned 
medicines. 

Besides  the  confirmed  drunkard,  there  are  others  who  only  once  in  a 
while  allow  themselves  to  be  led  astray,  and  who  are  ashamed  of  their  con- 
duct afterwards.  These  we  advise,  after  any  excess  of  this  sort,  to  take  a 
few  globules  of  Nux  vomica. 

There  are,  however,  many  who  have  fallen  into  the  habit  of  drinking 
from  vexation,  grief  or  care.  Their  own  consciences  will  tell  them  to 
what  a  horrid  alternative  they  have  had  recourse ;  and  we  earnestly  exhort 
them  not  to  taste,  not  to  touch  a  drop  of  liquor  again,  under  any  pretext 
whatever,  but  to  force  themselves  to  drink,  daily,  cold  water,  even  if  it 
should  produce  qualmishness,  and  to  take  the  medicines  recommended  for 
the  efTects  of  drinking ;  also,  the  medicines  which  suit  for  vexation  and 
grief. 


1 1  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC. 

There  are  other  drunkards  who  are  driven  to  drinking  by  a  morbid  state 
of  their  system,  by  a  peculiar  kind  of  "  dyspepsia."  Tliese  deserve  our 
compassion;  but  althougli  we  may  pity  them,  they  themselves  cannot 
excuse  tlieir  habit  by  it.  For  some  other  morbid  state  urges  one  to  anger, 
another  to  laziness,  a  third  to  incontinence,  but  there  is  no  excuse  for  either. 
Were  it  otherwise,  every  one  might  find  a  ready  excuse  for  his  favorite 
vice,  and  easily  imagine  that  he  could  wash  off  his  impurity  i:i  a  sink. 
When  the  passionate  man  does  not  bridle  his  anger,  the  lascivious  his 
cravings,  and  tlie  intemperate  his  inclination  to  strong  drink,  his  morbid 
sensibilities  will  increase.  Ko;  they  ought  to  pursue  a  course  directly 
opposite.  He  wlio  is  given  to  anger  should  constrain  liimself  to  submit 
even  to  unmerited  abuse;  tlie  voluptuary  should  repress  all  vicious 
thought,  and  avoid  every  temptation  ;  the  lazy  sliould  work  until  they  are 
perfectly  exhausted ;  and  he  who  longs  for  strong  drink,  should  not  even 
smell  alcoholic  liquors. 

In  all  cases  of  that  disease  which  causes  a  morbid  desire  for  alcohol, 
consult  a  homoeopathic  physician.  If  this  cannot  be  done,  take  Sidphur,  in 
water,  every  morning  for  a  week.  Should  the  desire  abate,  and  afterwards 
return,  take  Nux  vomica  for  several  days  in  the  evening ;  and  if  it  returns 
.igain,  in  two  or  tliree  days,  Sulphur.  If  this  does  not  prove  efficacious, 
give  Arsenicum.  In  all  cases  the  patient  sliould  accustom  himself  to  drink 
milk,  and  plenty  of  it.  ,  If  the  milk  disagrees  at  first,  and  produces  diarrhoea 
or  other  symptoms,  take  the  remedies  prescribed  for  that  purpose. 


EFFECTS  OF  DRUNKENNESS. 

After  drinking  too  much  in  the  evening,  sometimes  even  after  taking  but 
a  few  glasses  of  wine,  one  may  feel  unwell,  heavy  and  stupid  in  the  morning ; 
the  face  be  pale  and  haggard ;  the  eyes  pained  by  tlie  light ;  the  mouth 
parched  and  rougli ;  nausea,  pains  in  the  pit  of  tlie  stoni.ich,  hoarseness, 
heat  in  the  hands  and  soreness  in  the  limbs,  as  if  bruised ;  some  are  weak, 
sleepy,  chiUy,  languid,  cross  and  passionate ;  sometimes  there  is  bleeding  of 
the  nose,  or  cramp  in  the  stomach ;  in  such  cases  give  either  Nux  vomica  or 
Carbo  vegetabilis. 

If  the  lieadache  is  throbbing,  or  attended  with  pressure  over  the  eyes  or, 
better  in  the  cool,  fresh  air,  Carbo  vrrjrlabilis;  if  worse  in  the  open  air,  and 
more  in  the  temples,  Nux  vomica. 

If  the  pain  is  attended  by  a  feeling  as  though  a  nail  were  lodged  in  the 
head,  and  is  on  one  side  only,  woi^se  when  walking,  at  every  motion,  in  the 
open  air,  from  thinking  and  stoojiaig,  2\u.i;  tomica. 

If  there  is  only  nausea,  Carbo  vcf/ctablli-t;  an  inclination  to  vomit,  and 
retching,  Nux  vomica.  If  the  stooU  aie  thin  and  pale,  Caj-bo  vegelabilk.  If 
there  is  much  pressing  and  forcing,  wilh  slimy  purging,  Nux  vomica. 

If  there  is  much  giddiness,  red  eyes,  with  matter  in  the  corners,  great 
1  to  the  light,  or  a  dry,  hacking  cougli,  Nux  vomica. 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC.  73 

If  tlie  headache  does  not  abate  in  two  or  three  liours  after  taking  N^ux 
mmica,  take  Coffea.  If  the  nausea  continues,  the  stomach  very  weak,  and 
tlie  tongue  furred,  take  Aiitimonium  crudum. 

In  indisposition  from  tlie  repeated  use  of  wine  or  spirits,  which  lias  al- 
ready continued  for  some  time ;  tedious  lieadache,  fullness  and  heaviness 
of  the  head,  or  cramp  in  the  stomach ,  weakness  of  the  stomach,  constipation, 
piles,  pains  in  the  back,  miliary  eruption,  or  much  itching  and  biting  over 
the  wliole  body,  Nax  vomica;  afterwards  Carbo  vcgelaiilis  or  Lachesis  may 
be  taken ;  the  former,  if  the  symptoms  are  worse  early  in  the  morning,  or  ' 
in  the  open  air ;  the  latter,  if  they  are  worse  after  sleeping,  especially  in 
the  afternoon,  and  if  aggravated  by  hot  weatlier. 

For  tedious  headache,  which  lias  not  only  been  caused  by  intemperance, 
but  is  aggravated  liy  drinking  spirituous  liquors,  by  thinking,  mental  appU- 
catiou,  speaking,  stooping,  after  reading  or  writing,  the  patient  being  very 
weak,  give,  if  he  is  stout  and  plethoric,  Calcarea;  if  of  a  spare  habit,  Silicea. 

Do  not  repeat  the  dose  until  he  is  worse  again,  and  should  the  repetition 
fail,  give  Lachesis. 

If  the  efleet  of  wine  is  only  to  irritate,  excite  and  produce  trembling,  with 
nervousness,  an  uncomfortable  dry  heat  and  splenetic  humor,  give  Coffea; 
if  the  least  quantity  affects  the  head,  Zincum. 

Delirium  Tremens  or  Mania-a-rotu! — In  this  sad  and 
terrible  disease  of  drunkards,  in  which  the  one  affected  lias 
visions  of  animals,  monsters,  strange  human  faces,  etc., 
hears  voices  scolding,  thinks  he  is  being  called,  attended 
with  raging  and  raving,  fits  and  convulsions,  instead  of 
worrying  the  unfortunate  being  with  large  quantities  of 
irritating,  weakening  drugs,  give  Opium,  frequently  re- 
peated. In  the  beginning  of  the  disease,  Arsenicum  alone 
will  frequently  effect  a  cure.  If  these  remedies  should  not 
afford  relief,  give  Calcarea,  morning  and  evening. 

If  the  patient  sees  animals  or  fire  at  intervals,  with  fear- 
fulness  and  a  wish  to  escape,  the  head  is  hot,  the  face 
flushed,  the  eyes  brilliant  and  sensitive  to  tlie  light,  the 
arteries  of  the  neck  throbbing  violently,  give  Belladonna. 
Hyoscyamus  is  preferable,  if  the  patient  has  shown  symp- 
toms of  jealousy  and  threatens  violence;  Stramonium,  if 
with  the  delirium  there  is  a  religious  frame  of  mind  mani- 
festing itself  in  prayer  and  supplication. 

If  this  should  afford  no  relief,  if  the  throat  is  affected, 


74  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC. 

the  attacks  appearing  more  in  the  afternoon,  or  after 
sleeping,  the  patient  talks  much,  flying  from  one  subject 
to  another,  cannot  bear  his  shirt  collar  or  necktie,  but 
strives  to  have  them  removed,  Lachesk. 

Cold  sweat  in  the  face,  anxious  desire  to  run  awaj',  vi- 
sions of  devils,  etc.,  Veratrtxm. 

Premonitory  symptoms,  as  seeing  creeping  animals;  turning  of  the  lieail 
sideways  as  if  to  look  for  something ;  hearing  of  voices,  etc.,  may  be  re- 
moved either  by  Arsenicum  or  Calcai-ea. 

Arsetiicum  for  lean  persons,  tobacco  chewers ;  if  they  liear  the  voices  of 
relatives  or  others,  generally  overliead,  in  tlie  corners  of  t!ie  room,  up  or 
down  stairs ;  see  insects  creeping  in  tlie  bed  ;  see  tlie  room  full  of  tliieves 
or  spectres ;  are  driven  out  of  bed  by  anguish  ;  fear  to  die ;  especially  after 
great  grief  or  pangs  of  conscience. 

Calcarea  for  persons  of  a  full  habit,  so  called  "  free  livers,"  nervous  and 
irritable ;  despair  of  tlieir  own  health ;  fear  of  getting  crazy ;  sleepless ; 
horrible  visions  almost  always  wlien  sliutting  the  eyes. 

The  same  remedies  ought  to  be  given  after  the  attacks  are  over,  accord- 
ing to  tlie  symptoms,  but  in  many  cases  they  have  only  effected  a  cure  when 
given  at  long  intervals. 

Total  abstinence  is  absolutely  required ;  cold  water,  not,  however,  ice 
water,  should  be  drunk  freely.  If  tlie  patient  desires  it,  the  very  motlerate 
use  of  malt  liquors,  and  also  of  tobacco,  may  be  allowed.  If  the  latter  in- 
creases the  symptoms,  Arsenicum  may  be  given.  If  premonitory  symptoms 
of  apoplexy  appear  in  drunkards,  total  abstinence  from  malt  liquors  and 
tobacco  is  necessary^  and  Belladonna  or  Lachesis  may  be  given.  In  all  such 
cases  a  homceopathic  pliysician  had  better  be  consulted. 


BAD  EFFECTS  OF  COFFEE. 

For  sleeplessness,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  great  irritability  of  the  nervous 
system,  violent  cramps  in  the  stomach,  take  Nux  vomica. 

For  violent  lieadache,  as  if  a  nail  were  driven  into  the  head,  or  lieaviness, 
rending  pain  in  the  liead,  give  Ignaiia  or  Nux  vomica.  If  it  is  better  when 
stooping,  or  if  there  is  a  throbbing  in  the  whole  head,  if  the  patient  is  of  an 
undecided,  inconstant  disposition,  Itjnatia;  if  worse  when  stooping,  or  walk- 
ing, attended  with  much  giddiness,  confusion  and  heaviness  in  the  Iiead, 
and  the  patient  is  of  a  choleric  temperament,  Nux  vomica. 

Violent,  one-sided  headache,  yields  usually  to  Nux  vomica;  but  if  there 
is  weeping  or  screaming,  and  great  sensitiveness,  give  Chnmomilln. 

Frecpicnt  toothache  following  immediately  upon  drinking  coli'ee,  or  tooth- 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC.  lO 

iclie  in  general  in  persons  accustomed  to  the  use  of  coffee,  generally  yields 
til  ChamomiUu.  If  so  violent,  that  the  patient  is  almost  beside  himself,  give 
Oiffea  and  afterwards  Chamomilla  or  A^ax  vomica ;  tlie  following  medicines 
may  also  be  required :  Cocculus,  Belladonna,  Mercurius,  Carbo  vegeiabilis, 
Pulsalilla  and  Rhiis  tox.    Compare  "  Tootliache." 

For  violent  cramps  in  the  stomach,  if  worse  after  drinking  coffee,  Nwx 
votnica  or  Cocculus  ;  if  temporarily  relieved  by  coffee,  but  worse  afterwards, 
Chamomilla. 

Violent  pain  in  the  bowels,  or  colic,  Chammnilla  or  Nwc  vomica  ;  frequently 
Colocynlhis  or  Belladonna. 

Pain  in  the  groins  as  if  a  hernia  were  going  to  appear,  is  relieved  by  Nux 
vomica. 

If,  after  the  habit  of  drinking  coffee  has  been  abandoned,  the  above  tedious 
effects  will  not  yield  to  Nux  vomica  and  Chamomilla,  the  following  remedies 
are  sometimes  useful : — 

Cocculus,  when  the  least  exercise  is  attended  by  perspiration ;  frequent 
trembling;  starting  when  asleep;  heat;  frequent  toothache  when  eating; 
lightness  in  tiie  head ;  sadness ;  agitation ;  when  every  indisposition  is  ag- 
gravated by  fresh  air,  exercise,  eating,  drinking,  sleep,  or  smoking. 

Ignatia,  when  there  is  much  debility ;  emptiness  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach ; 
frequent  spasms  in  the  abdomen ;  painfulness  or  numbness  in  the  limbs, 
generally  pressing  pain  as  from  hard-pointed  substances,  it  obliges  the  pa- 
tient to  shift  his  position,  after  which  he  feels  better;  the  disposition  is  in- 
constant, sometimes  excessively  lively,  at  others  dejjressed  and  inclined  to 
weeping. 

TEA. 

For  indisposition  from  green  tea,  take  Cuffca  or  Icjnalla,  and  if  there  is  no 
improvement  in  a  few  days,  China.  Fur  tedious  complaints  from  tea,  China 
or  Ferrum. 


TOBACCO. 

If  persons  unaccustomed  to  smoking  have  been  made  ill  thereby,  give 
Pulsatilla;  for  violent  headache  and  nausea,  Aconite;  giddiness  and  dizzi- 
ness to  fainting,  vomiting  of  bile  and  diarrhoea,  Chamomilla  ;  and  if  not  suffi- 
cient, and  there  is  much  coldness,  Veratrum;  if  this  will  not  answer,  let 
them  smell  camphor.  Violent  convulsions  and  other  symptoms  may  be  re- 
moved by  Cuprum  or  Cocculus.    See  "  Poisoning." 

If  a  person  accustomed  to  smoking  feels  unwell  after  it,  Cocculus  orlgnatia 
will  generally  relieve  him.  If  it  occasions  toothache,  give  Bryonia  or  some- 
times Cliina.  If  it  causes  sickness  of  tlie  stomach,  lijnalia  or  Pulsalilla;  ir 
uneasiness  and  nausea,  Staphisayria.    The  same  remedies  may  be  given  for 


7G  CONSEQUENCES    OF    SPIRITUOUS    LIQUORS,    ETC. 

bad  effects  from  cliewing  tobacco.      Especially  Kux  vomica,  Ar 
Chamomilla,  Ptilsatilla  or  Cocculus,  and  sometimes  Cuprum, 

Chronic  consequences  of  immoderate  smoking  or  cliewing  are  difBcult  to 
cure;  nervousness  and  weakness  of  the  stomacli  are  generally  removed  by 
Nux  vomica  or  Cocculus  ;  habitual  constipation  by  Nux  vomica,  Stuphisagria, 
Mercurius.  The  diseases  to  which  those  who  manufacture  tobacco  are  sub- 
ject, cannot  be  removed  unless  the  patient  quits  his  employment.  The 
remedies  most  eflfective  in  such  cases  are  Arsenicum,  Coloci/nlh,  and  Cuprum. 


SPICES. 

For  Ihe  injurious  ejfects,  occasioned  by  spices,  such  as  pepi)er,  ginger  and 
the  like,  give  Nux  vomica;  if  from  nutmeg  or  saffron,  Irjnatia,  sometimes 
Opium  or  Coffea. 


SOUR  THINGS. 

If  the  bad  consequences,  particularly  diarrhoea,  set  in  at  night  or  during 
the  night,  give,  if  the  head  is  much  affected,  also  the  chest,  Nux  vomica  ;  if 
in  the  day  time,  Antimonium  crudum  ;  with  pain  in  the  bowels,  Stuphisagria 
or  Belladonna ;  if  accompanied  by  much  coldness,  Verairum;  if  fever  fol- 
lows, Lachesis. 

Red  eruptions,  like  scarlet  rash,  with  pains  in  the  throat  caused  by  eating 
oranges,  and  other  sour  fruit,  is  cured  by  Belladonna  or  Rhus  tox.  Long- 
lasting  consequences  are  relieved  by  Calcarea  of  Causticum,  according  to  the 
symptoms. 

Other  symptoms  from  the  use  of  sour  things  may  yield  to  Arsenicum  or 
Sulphur.  Arsenicum  for  persons  who  have  too  much  appetite  and  eat  too 
much ;  Sulphur  for  such  who  have  a  constant  craving  for  sweet  things. 
When  acids  aggravate  the  symptoms  of  a  ca.se,  give  Belladonna  or  Lachesis. 

If  there  is  a  craving  for  acids  and  sour  food,  Arsenicum,  Arnica,  Bella- 
donna, China  or  Lacliesis.  If  the  craving  is  merely  for  sour  drinks,  give 
Bryonia. 

For  heartburn  and  vomiting  after  sour  victuals,  give  Ferrnm ;  for  vom- 
iting of  a  watery  fluid  after  tlie  use  of  acids,  Phosphorus. 

For  disordered  stomach  from  acids,  A  rsenicum  or  Lnchesis. 

For  diarrhoea  from  the  use  of  acids  and  sour  fruits,  Lachesis;  if  from  fruits 
merely,  China. 


EFFECTS    OF    INJURIOUS    DRUGS    IN    GENERAL    USE.        77 


CHAPTEIl  yi. 

EFFECTS  OF  INJURIOUS  DRUGS  IN  GEN- 
ERAL USE,  AND   REMEDIES  TO 
COUNTERACT  THEM. 

When  siulden  and  dangerous  symptoms  appear  after  administering  a  I 
dose  of  physic,  we  may  take  for  granted  tliat  tlie  patient  is  poisoned,  and 
look  under  the  head  of  "  Poisoning."  Vegetable  poisons  are  often  more  ! 
rapid  and  violent  in  their  action  than  mineral  poisons,  and  produce  the 
same  strong  and  lasting  injurious  effects.  Animal  poisons  are  even  more 
violent  than  vegetable  poisons.  Tlie  boasts  of  nostrum  venders  respecting 
the  innoxious  effect  of  tlaeir  alleged  vegetable  medicines,  are  deception  and 
humbug. 

It  is  true,  there  are  some  herbs  which  do  not  produce  any  dangerous 
effects,  and  some  medicines  are  not  very  injurious ;  but  even  these  should 
not  be  given  without  due  consideration,  nor  in  large  quantities  for  any  , 
length  of  time.  For  it  is  certain,  that  if  you  give  the  proper  medicine,  very  J 
little  will  suffice,  and  if  you  give  an  improper  one,  the  larger  the  dose  the! 
more  injurious  it  will  prove.  i 

In  large  and  frequently  repeated  doses  every  medicine  may  therefore  6y 
considered  a  poison. 

When  a  person  has  taken  such  vile  stuff,  or  given  it  to  children  upon  the 
recommendation  of  pliysicians  or  apothecaries,  the  evil  may  possibly  be 
remedied,  by  observing  the  following  directions :  * 


HERB  TEAS. 

Such  as  chamomile  and  similar  ones,  if  they  cause  a  great  deal  of  pain, 
or  if  they  increase  the  pains,  which  the  patient  had  before,  give  Coffea,  and 
afterwards,  if  required,  Nux  vomica;  for  nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhoea, 
Pulsatilla  ;  Pulsatilla  also  if  chamomile  tea  h.is  increased  and  made  unbear- 
able the  colic  and  other  pains  of  women  at  the  commencement  of  the  courses. 
If  it  has  caused  violent  fits  and  convulsions  in  children,  give  Ir/natia;  for 
fever  and  heat  with  great  sensitiveness  and  excitability,  Coffea ;  for  fever, 
dry  heat,  tearing,  drawing  pains,  anxiety  and  restlessness.  Aconite. 


OPIUM,  LAUDANUM,  OR  MORPHINE 

Often  produce  dangerous  symptoms.     See  "  Poisons."     For  the  immediate 
bad  effects,  give  Belladonna  in  frequent  doses.     For  the  lingering  effects  of 


1 6      EFFECTS   OF   INJURIOUS   DRUGS   IN   GENERAL   USE. 

opiates,  wliich  never  fail  to  appear,  sooner  or  later,  ask  the  advice  of  a  phy- 
sician, or  take  from  time  to  time,  Cqffea,  Nux  vomica,  or  Mercurius;  the 
latter  to  be  followed  by  Sulphur. 

All  soothing  syrups  contain  opium  in  some  shape  or  form,  and  should  be 
discarded  as  worthless  and  dangerous.  Children  brought  up  on  them  be- 
come puny,  sickly  and  often  idiotic.  The  same  remedies  are  applicable ; 
also  Muriatw  acid,  but  a  homoeopathic  physician  should  be  consulted. 


HYDRATE  OF  CHLORAL. 

This  is  a  preparation  which  is  used  by  the  old  school  to  produce  sleep  in 
cases  of  nervous  wakefulness  and  delirium.  It  is  only  a  palliative,  and  if 
too  long  persevered  in,  its  injurious  effects  are  incalculable.  Large  doses 
have  been  known  to  produce  poisoning  and  death  in  a  number  of  cases. 
For  tlie  immediate  injurious  effects  Belladonna  is  probably  tlie  best  remedy, 
and  should  be  frequently  repeated.  A  physician  should  be  sent  for.  For 
tlie  chronic  effects,  such  as  increased  wakefulness,  shortness  of  breath,  erup- 
tions and  blotches  on  the  skin,  give  Sulphur. 


PERUVIAN  BARK,  QUININE,  ETC. 

Next  to  opium  and  mercury,  these  most  frequently  undermine  tlie  con- 
stitutioru  and  occasion  incurable  disetises.  Should  the  patient  escape  death, 
he  will  be  troubled  for  years  by  their  effects.  It  is  more  difficult  to  expel 
quinine  from  the  system,  than  mercury ;  and  he  who  pretends  that  this  can 
be  effected  by  cathartics,  is  utterly  ignorant  of  physic.  It  enters  the  blood 
and  all  the  fluids,  and  no  purging  in  the  world  will  remove  it. 

To  relieve  the  patient  from  its  effects,  will  require  patience,  but  it  may 
be  gradually  accomplished  by  the  following  means.  The  chief  medicine, 
in  most  cases,  is  Ipecacuanha. 

For  rheumatic  pains,  heaviness,  prostration,  soreness  in  all  the  limbs, 
drawing  pain  in  the  bones,  great  sensitiveness  of  every  part  of  the  body ; 
when  exercise,  speaking  or  blowing  the  nose  or  loud  sounds  aggravate  the 
pains,  give  Arnica. 

When  the  body  is  cold,  with  cold  perspiration,  constipation  or  diarrhoea, 
Veralrum.    For  jaundice  give  Mercurius,  and  later  if  required.  Belladonna. 

For  heat  in  the  face,  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  mucli  pain  in 
the  head,  face  and  teeth,  give  Belladonna.  For  earache,  Pulsatilla.  For 
swelling  of  the  feet,  Ferrum.  For  ulcers  of  the  legs,  dropsy,  short  cough 
and  shortness  of  breath,  Arsenicum.  For  dropsy  and  other  swellings, 
Rhus  tox. 


EFFECTS   OF   INJURIOUS    DRUGS   IN   GENERAL   USE.       i\) 

If  there  are  other  complaints,  look  under  the  respective  heads,  and  select 
the  medicine  accordingly ;  the  following  will  in  many  cases  be  found  useful : 
Sulphur,  Calcarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis  and  Hepar. 

Wlien  quinine  has  been  misa])plicd  in  intermittent  fever,  often  another 
and  worse  complaint  than  the  fever  makes  its  appearance ;  or  the  fever 
remains,  and  is  now  more  difficult  to  cure. 

If  the  fever  has  been  suppressed,  and  earache,  toothache,  headache  and 
pains  in  the  limbs  appear,  give  Pulsatilla  and  if  this  fails,  Calcarea.  For 
affections  of  the  stomach  give  Ipecaauinha,  or  Pulsatilla;  for  swelling, 
Arnica,  Arsenicum  or  Ferrum,  and  select  according  to  circumstances,  one  of 
tlie  remedies  recommended  above. 

If  the  intermittent  fever  continues,  as  it  often  does,  notwithstanding  the 
use  of  large  quantities  of  bark  or  quinine,  give  first  Ipecacuanha,  afterw:u'ds, 
if  required,  Arsenicum  or  Carbo  vegetabilis;  in  some  cases,  Veratrum  or 
Arnica ;  BeUadonna,  Mcrcuriu^,  Sulphur  or  Calcarea  in  others. 


OTHER  DRUGS. 

When  the  mixtures,  wliich  tlie  unfortunate  patient  has  had  to  swallow, 
contain  Conium  or  Cicuta,  Itinitalis,  Laurocerasus  or  Acidum  hydrocy- 
anicum,  it  is  sometimes  soanrly  pi)ssil)le  to  save  him,  unless  a  good  con- 
stitution throws  ofT  tlie  ill-efi'ects,  assisted  by  proper  living,  fresh  air,  tlie 
drinking  of  mucii  water,  and  a  good  homoeopathic  physician,  both  exercising 
much  patience. 

After  tiiking  Digitalis,  even  in  small  doses,  if  continued  for  a  time, 
dangerous  symjitoms  very  often  suddenly  follow.  Tliese  are  generally 
relieved  by  repeated  smelling  of  camphor,  sometimes  by  vinegar  or  wine 
in  drop  doses,  or  by  laudanum  in  moderate  doses.  Smelling  of  ether  or 
chloroform  makes  them  worse.  Later,  according  to  circumstances,  give 
Glonoine,  Opium,  Niu  vomica  or  Ignatia.     Be  careful  not  to  give  China. 

Persons  who  have  swallowed  much  Asafoetida,  or  much  Valerian  and 
other  drugs  which  enter  largely  into  the  composition  of  certain  quack  pills, 
are  generally  in  a  very  critical  situation.  China  or  Mercurius  sometimes 
counteracts  the  effects  of  Asafoetida ;  for  indigestion  and  particularly  belch- 
ing, PuisaliUa.  Coffea,  Nux  vomica,  Chamomilla  or  Sulphur  are  to  be  given 
for  the  effects  of  Valerian  ;  Pulsatilla  and  Nux  vomica  for  those  of  Colchicum ; 
the  very  d.angerou3  diarrhoea,  resulting  from  large  doses  of  this  so-called 
remedy  for  tlie  gout,  may  be  relieved  Ijy  laudanum,  to  be  taken  one  drop  at 
a  time,  every  two  hours ;  tliis  may  be  repeated  four  or  five  times.  Bdlcu- 
donna,  Bryonia  and  Arnica  for  tlie  bad  effects  of  Senega;  Mercurius  or 
Belladonna,veTy  often  Sulph  ur,  but  particularly  Sepia  for  those  of  Sarsaparilla. 

If  the  application  of  Spanish-flies  produces  bad  symptoms,  give  Aconite 
or  Pulsatilla. 


80       EFFECTS   OF   INJURIOUS   DRUGS   IN   GENERAL   USE. 

When  cliildren  have  taken  much  rhubarb,  and  are  consequently  troubled 
with  flatulency  and  slimy  diarrhoea,  give  Nux  vomica;  if  they  have  sour 
vomiting  during  the  night,  clayey  stools  and  diarrhoea,  Pulsatilla;  if  they 
have  sour  stools,  green,  or  mixed  with  blood,  i)/e?-cun«s;  bad  colic  and 
green  evacuations,  Chamomilla  ;  and  if  the  colic  does  not  get  better,  Colocynth. 


EFFECTS  OF  MAGNESIA. 

If  a  person  has  taken  magnesia  and  feels  poorly,  particularly  after  cal- 
cined magnesia,  let  him  smell  sweet  spirits  of  nitre ;  if  he  cannot  sleep, 
give  Coffea;  if  it  produces  violent  pains  in  the  bowels,  Chamomilla;  and  if 
they  are  very  bad,  without  much  or  any  evacuation,  give  Colocynlh;  if  no 
evacuation  follows  in  twenty-four  hours,  give  Niix  vomica;  if  the  patient 
h-as  violent  pains,  and  particularly  burning  pains  with  fever,  give  Arsenicum  ; 
but  if  the  magnesia  has  produced  sour-smelling  thin  stools  with  colic, 
Rheum;  and  if  this  fails,  Pulsatilla.  The  same  remedies  should  be  given 
if  similar  effects  are  produced  by  Epsom  salts. 


EFFECTS  OF  SULPHUR,  IODINE  AND  IODIDE  OF 
POTASSIUM. 

The  effects  of  sulphur  are  occasionally  as  bad  as  those  of  mercury,  and 
the  tedious  complaints  which  it  produces,  as  diflicult  to  cure.  If  a  person 
feels  unwell  soon  after  having  used  it,  he  should  smell  camphor ;  if  this 
does  not  relieve  him  and  the  pains  are  violent,  particularly  in  the  head, 
accompanied  by  heat,  let  him  take  Aconite  ;  later,  when  the  com]  '.u:r.^  uas 
become  chronic,  Mercurius  or  Pulsatilla,  and  sometimes,  according  to  cir- 
cumstances. Sepia  or  Silicea.  For  the  bad  effects  of  sulphurous  vapors  from 
the  lighting  of  matches,  from  which  children  often  get  a  cough,  shortness 
of  breath  and  pains  in  the  throat  and  chest,  Pulsatilla  is  the  best  remedy. 

If  sulphur  has  been  given  to  children,  in  conformity  to  a  notion  of  its 
beneficial  effects  entertained  by  some  parents,  especially  in  tlie  spring  of 
the  year,  and  it  has  occasioned  fever,  with  pains  in  the  bowels ;  or  if  erup- 
tions, for  which  it  was  given,  should  have  been  supiircsscil,  or  when  very 
painful  boils  ensue.  Belladonna  is  very  often  efiicient ;  care  is,  however,  to 
be  taken  afterward,  to  guard  the  children  from  taking  cold,  not  by  keei)ing 
them  in  warm  rooms,  but  by  preventing  their  being  in  draughts,  or  sitting 
on  the  ground,  etc. 

Wlien  patients  suffer  from  the  effects  of  iodine  or  iodide  of  potassium, 
administered,  as  they  usually  are,  in  large  doses  and  for  a  long  time,  give 
Eepar. 


EFFECTS   OF    INJURIOUS    DRUGS   IN    GENERAL   USE.       81 


EFFECTS  OF  MERCURY. 

In  all  diseases  this  is  tlie  universal  elixir  of  the  quacks  who,  whilst  they 
pretend  to  restore  their  patients  to  health,  destroy  tlieir  constitutions.  It 
is  administered  as  calomel  in  powders,  or  as  corrosive  sublimate  in  a  dis- 
solved state,  or  in  tlie  form  of  pills — those  abominable  blue  pills.  Beware 
of  all  prescriptions  in  which  names  like  the  following  occur:  Calomel, 
Merc.  subl.  corros.,  Merc,  pra^cipit.,  Ilydrargyrum,  Ilydrarg.  chloridum, 
Ilydrarg.  bichloriJ.,  Argent,  viv.,  or  of  salves  containing  mercury.  People 
are  frequently  imposed  upon  by  being  told  that  mercury  can  be  expelled 
again  by  taking  aperient  medicines  after  it.  Those  who  hold  such  views, 
close  tlieir  eyes  to  the  injurious  eflects  which  ensue  from  t<dcing  mercury; 
for,  supposing,  it  were  as  easy  to  remove  the  calomel  as  it  is  to  swallow  it, 
the  effect  produced  upon  the  body  will  certainly  remain ;  just  as  if  you  were 
to  drive  ^  nail  into  a  man's  leg  and  then  pull  it  out  again — the  hole  will  re- 
main ;  it  will  ileal  after  a  while,  but  it  requires  time  and  a  rational  mode  of 
treatment,  or  tlie  consequence  may  be  very  serious.  To  give  aperient  medi- 
cines then  for  tlie  effects  of  mercury,  is  about  as  sensible  as  if  I  were  to  insert 
a  wooden  peg  into  tlie  wound  made  by  the  nail,  and  imagine  it  to  be  all  right 
again. 

Mercury  in  all  its  preparations,  however,  cannot  be  expelled  as  easily, 
and  least  of  all,  by  jiurgativcs,  as  it  immediately  penetrates  every  part  of 
the  system,  the  ll;ii(K,  tlic  ul.mds,  and  even  the  bones. 

This  is  tlie  roascm  why  t!ii'  sliw  poisoning  by  mercurial  medicines  is  far 
more  difficult  to  cure  than  a  natural  disease;  it  always  requires  much  time, 
and  in  many  cases  mitigation  of  the  sufferings  is  all  that  art  can  effect  for 
the  patient. 

In  most  cases,  immediately  as  well  as  long  after  taking  mercury  Ilepar 
will  be  found  of  great  service,  particularly  for  the  following  symptoms: 
dizziness;  headache  during  tlie  night;  loss  of  hair;  painful  lumjiS  on  the 
head ;  inflamed,  red  eyes ;  pains  in  the  nose  when  pressed ;  eruption  round 
the  mouth  ;  ranch  saliva  in  the  mouth ;  ulcerated  gums ;  inncus  low  down 
in  the  throat;  swelled  tonsils;  hard  glands  on  tlie  neck;  a  pricking  pain 
when  swallowing,  coughing,  breathing,  or  turning  the  neck ;  swollen,  in- 
flamed, suppurating  boils  in  the  groin  or  arm-pit,  or  small  ones  on  the  chest ; 
thin  stools  witli  great  straining,  sometimes  mixed  with  blood,  slimy  and 
green ;  the  urine  dark  red,  hot  and  acrid ;  coughing  when  a  hand  or  foot 
gets  cold,  or  after  drinking,  sometimes  accompanied  by  spitting  of  blood ; 
felon,  or  other  red,  infl.imcd  swellings  on  the  hands  and  fingers,  also  of  the 
knee,  like  rheumatism;  the  entire  skin  is  diseased,  nothing  lieals  well; 
every  little  wound  or  scratch  supjiurates  and  spreads  ;  the  skin  of  the  hands 
and  feet  cracks;  ulcers,  which  bleed  eiusily,  burn  in  the  night,  with  throb- 
bing and  stitching  pain  ;  chilly  in  the  air;  in  the  night,  chills  and  frequent 
pains  in  the  limbs;  also  fever,  and  afterwards  clammy,  sour  sweat;  the 
patient  very  sensitive,  the  pains  almost  produce  fainting. 


82       EFFECTS    OF    INJURIOUS    DRUGS    IX    GENERAL    USE. 

It  is  nilvisable,  after  continuing  its  use  for  six  or  eight  days,  to  await  tlie 
enbct  of  Jlepar  for  some  days ;  if  it  produces  slow  improvement,  wait  a  fort- 
night ;  if  after  this  the  improvement  does  not  continue,  repeat  the  same 
medicine ;  if  the  improvement  was  but  of  short  duration,  and  it  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  give  something,  BcUadonna  is  the  best;  tlie  same  will 
answer  when  Ucpar  has  been  given  two  or  three  times,  once  even'  fort- 
night, and  lias  lost  its  efficacy. 

For  complaints  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  for  swelling  of  the  tonsils,  and 
deafness,  give  Hepar  and  later  Belladonna,  and  if  they  produce  no  change, 
Staphisagria. 

For  great  sensitiveness  to  the  weather ;  violent  pains,  particularly  during 
the  night,  worse  when  touched ;  great  weakness ;  when  the  patient  has  been 
debilitated  by  much  purging  and  salivation,  give  China;  and  if  this  has  no 
further  effect,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  j)articularly  if  change  of  weather  makes  the 
patient  worse. 

If,  after  taking  some  of  the  remedies  recommended  above,  there  still 
remain  rending  pains  in  the  bones  and  gouty  swellings,  give  Dulcamara, 
and  afterwards  Phosphoric  acid;  for  swellings  on  the  bones  (nodes),  Phos- 
phoric acid,  and  afterwards  Staphisagria;  and  when  this  ceases  to  do  good, 
Calcarea. 

If  this  medicine  has  been  taken  for  a  considerable  time,  and  the  com- 
plaint is  not  completely  removed,  try  Sulphur,  »nd  some  time  after,  one  of 
the  above  remedies  again.  If  Sulphur  gives  relief,  take  several  weeks  after- 
wards Ccdcarea,  and  after  that  some  other  suitable  medicine,  for  instance, 
Lachesis,  which  may  be  followed  by  Lycopodium. 

If  a  person  has  taken  mucli  mercury,  and  afterwards  sulphur,  it  will 
be  well  to  give  Ilercurius,  and  then  BcUadonna  or  Puhalilla. 

When  a  person  lias  taken  much  mercury,  but  no  sulphur  after  it,  and 
Repar  should  not  seem  to  be  quite  indicated,  according  to  the  foregoing 
description,  give  Sulphur. 

In  tedious  complaints,  caused  or  aggr.avated  by  mercury,  select  from  the 
following:  Hepar,  Belladonna,  China,  Phosphorie  arid,  Cnrho  regetuhills. 
Dulcamara,  Staphisagria,  Lachesis.  In  many  c:is(  s,  wlnir  imiiiediate  relief 
is  required.  Opium,  Puhalilla,  or  the  medicines  |in  snil-.d  uii.ler  "  Poison- 
ing," will  answer;  in  some  few  cases,  Arsenicuui,  Fcnum,  Rhus  or  SiVuxa 
will  be  available. 


EFFECTS  OF  LEAD. 

Lead  is  often  an  ingredient  in  medicines,  such  as  white  ointment,  plas- 
ters, Goidard's  lotion,  etc.,  which  are  used  to  dry  up  and  cure  eruptions, 
ulcers,  bruises,  burns  and  wounds.  It  is  almost  as  poisonous,  wlien  applied 
externally,  as  if  it  were  used  internally,  and  produces  constipation,  colic, 
cough,  and  disease  of  the  lungs.     To  remove  these  effects,  give  Opium,  fre- 


EFFECTS    OF    INJURIOUS    DEUGS    IN    GENERAL    USE.       S3 

quently  repeated  or  Glonoine,  followed  by  I<'iix  voviica,  or  Belladmma,  and 
afterwards,  if  necessary,  Mcrcwius  or  Plaiina. 


EFFECTS  OF  ARSENIC. 

If  the  so-ealle<l  medicines  contain  arsenic,  as  Fowler's  solution,  which 
are  mostly  given  in  fever  and  ague,  when  the  quinine  will  not  cure,  for 
many  skin  diseases,  or  for  cancers,  applied  both  internally  and  externally, 
and  aggravate  the  disease,  which  they  generally  do,  give  Ipecacuanha;  and 
if  this  does  not  effect  some  improvement,  give  H.ytir;  if  these  remedies 
fail,  <ir  if,  from  the  symptoms,  Ntu  vomica,  Veratrum,  Fcrram  or  China  seem 
to  suit  better,  give  one  of  these. 


EFFECTS  OF  IRON. 

Iron  is  frequently  given  in  the  form  of  steel  drops,  steel  pills,  bitter  wine 
of  iron,  etc.,  for  intermittent  fever,  chlorosis  (green-sickness),  and  com- 
plaints of  the  lungs ;  but  instead  of  curing  those  diseases  it  generally  makes 
them  much  worse.  When  the  menses  are  not  regular,  and  in  general,  when 
patients  are  weak  and  pale,  there  are  some  who  imagine,  that  the  iron  will 
enter  the  sj-stem  and  make  them  strong.  Iron,  however,  taken  in  large 
quantities,  as  a  medicine,  ia  injurious,  as  well  as  all  the  other  metals,  only 
it  does  not  kill  quite  so  rapidly.  A  proof  of  this  assertion  we  find  in 
springs  which  contain  iron,  and  in  which  rust  is  formed ;  neither  man  nor 
beast  thrives  upon  this  water ;  and  even  those  who  at  last  become  accus- 
tomed to  it,  will  sooner  or  later  suffer  from  its  effects.  In  cases  where 
speedy  relief  must  be  afforded,  give  Pulsatilla  or  Oiina,  and  if  they  do  not 
avail,   Ilcpar,  and  .after  some  time  the  former  medicines  again. 

In  all  cases  of  pnisoning  by  medicine,  it  is  necessary  to  look  under  the 
particular  complaint,  and  to  give  in  preference  the  medicines  there  recom- 
mended. 

He  who  has  already  taken  different  medicines,  and  has  become  worse 
and  worse  by  their  use,  will  do  well  to  lay  them  all  aside,  no  matter  what 
they  are  called,  and  should  his  health  not  improve  of  itself,  nor  from  the 
medicines  which  have  been  recommended  here,  let  him  apply  to  a  compe- 
tent homoeopathic  physician,  and,  in  view  of  all  the  existing  circumstances, 
not  expect  miracles.  It  is  often  very  difficidt  to  give  relief  to  the  sufferer 
and  in  most  cases  it  takes  a  year  or  more,  before  he  begins  to  improve, 
provided  he  has  no  incurable  disease,  which  neither  the  old  nor  the  new 
method  can  heal. 


84  ADULTERATIONS    AND    POISONS. 

CIIArTER  VII. 

ADULTERATIONS  AND  POISONS. 

Wilful  murJer  and  suicide  by  ])iiison  are  but  rare  occurrences ;  most 
ea.ses  ol'  poisoning  originate  in  the  carelessness  with  which  poisonous  things 
are  handled,  in  the  ignorance  of  their  dangerous  qualities,  or  in  the  wicked 
adulteration  of  eatables  and  of  liquoi-s.  AVitli  the  necessary  knowledge,  we 
are  frequently  able  to  avoid  this  danger.  As  it  is  of  importance  to  every- 
body to  be  acquainted  with  the  poisonous  substances  whicli  threaten  life,  we 
will  give  some  directions,  how  these  adulterations  and  poisons  may  be 
detected. 

Wines  are  most  frequently  adulterated,  and  here  more  than  elsewhere; 
those  imported  into  this  country  have  either  been  adulterated  already  by 
the  shipper,  that  they  might  keep,  or  it  is  done  here  when  they  are  near 
spoiling,  or  to  make  them  resemble  wines  of  better  quality,  or  for  other 
purposes.  We  will  give  directions  how  to  recognize  adulterated  wines,  that 
the  honest  dealers  and  venders  of  wines  may  be  able  to  examine  the  articles 
which  they  purchase,  and  that  all  who  have  to  deal  with  rascals  may  first 
test  the  wine.  All  those  who,  by  the  directions  given  below,  shall  discover 
that  wine  has  been  adulterated,  and  who  have  a  spark  of  feeling  for  their 
fellow-men,  should  expose,  without  tlie  least  hesitation  or  forbearance,  the 
persons  so  offending,  that  this  horrible  practice  may  be  checked  in  this 
country.  It  is  true,  that  tlie  venders  may  excuse  themselves  by  saying 
that  they  have  bought  the  wine  in  that  state.  But  the  poison  is  there,  and 
no  one  should  deal  in  wine  who  does  not  know  how  to  discover  these  adulter- 
ations, or  who  has  not  trustworthy  people  from  whom  he  orders  his  wines. 
At  all  events  it  ought  to  be  made  known  that  he  has  been  deceived,  and 
particularly  by  whom. 

Wines  may  be  adulterated  with  harmless  or  noxious  substances,  and  who- 
ever employs  the  former  will  employ  the  latter,  for  the  distinction  is  but 
too  ea-sily  overlooked.  The  chief  harmless  articles  used  for  adulteration  of 
wine,  are  water,  sugar,  brandy  and  various  coloring  matters;  but  as  these  are 
not  fraught  with  mischief  to  the  health,  we  may  pass  them  over  and  pro- 
ceed to  point  out  some  adulterations  which  operate  as  slow  poisons  and 
which  may  be  the  cause  of  many  diseases. 

a)  Lime  or  Chalk  is  often  used  to  restore  wine  that  is  spoiled,  or  to  give 
new  wine  the  appcaraucc  and  taste  of  old  ;  this  admixture  is  very  injurious. 
It  may  be  detected  l)y  taking  a  lew  grains  of  oxalate  of  ammonia,  and  dis- 
solving tliem  in  two  talilesiinonfiils  of  distilled  water,  or  in  water  obtained 
by  letting  the  steam  from  the  spout  of  a  teapot,  filled  with  boiling  water, 
pass  into  a  cold  Vessel.     This  solution,  itself  a  poison,  drop  into  a  glass  of 


ADULTEKATIOXS    AND   TOISOXS.  S5 

wine ;  if  you  perceive  in  a  few  minutes  a  whitish  cloud  in  it,  and  tlie  next 
day  a  wliite  sediment,  there  is  lime  or  chalk  in  the  wine.  All  wine  will 
become  a  little  cloudy,  but  upon  testing  several  different  kinds,  you  will 
soon  see  which  contains  the  most  sediment.  Drinking  such  wine  frequently, 
is  apt  to  occasion  gravel,  hardened  glands,  swellings,  ulcers,  sore  eyes,  ob- 
stinate headache,  diarrhoea,  etc. 

6)  Sulphur  or  Brimstone  is  often  found  in  wine,  and  many  pretend  that 
wine  will  not  keep  without  it.  This,  however,  is  erroneous,  and  much  sul- 
phur in  wine  acts  as  a  poison,  particularly  with  persons  of  a  consumptive 
habit,  or  who  are  subject  to  bowel  or  liver  complaints ;  in  fact,  it  is  inju- 
rious to  every  one  who  drinks  it.  The  presence  of  sulphur  may  be  easily 
detected  by  putting  a  clean  new-laid  egg  into  a  tumbler,  and  filling  it  with 
wine ;  if  the  wine  contains  sulphur,  the  egg  will  be  of  a  blackish  color  after 
'  remaining  there  over  night,  and  well  polished  silver  teaspoons  will  be 
blackened  by  the  same  process.  Another  test  is,  to  drop  a  little  lunar 
caustic,  dissolved  in  water,  into  the  wine  ;  if  a  black  or  brownish-black  pre- 
cipitate is  formed,  the  wine  contains  sulphur. 

c)  Alum  is  used  frequently  in  adulterating  wine  for  the  purpose  of  bright- 
ening the  tint  and  increasing  thirst ;  a  single  glass  will  not  unfiequently 
prove  hurtful  to  a  person  of  delicate  health.  Dissolve  potash  in  water,  filter 
it  through  blotting  paper,  and  pour  some  drops  of  this  solution  into  the 
wine ;  if  it  foams  and  precipitates  a  gray  powder,  there  is  a  probability  of 
there  being  alum  in  the  wine.  If  you  desire  a  more  decisive  proof,  apply 
to  a  chemist,  or,  dissolve  the  above  mentioned  gray  powder  in  sulphuric 
acid  diluted  with  water,  adding  a  small  portion  of  sulphate  of  potash.  Let 
it  evaporate  on  a  stove  and  crystallize.  Should  pyramidal  crystals  appear, 
of  the  sweetish,  astringent  taste  of  alum,  the  proof  is  positive. 

d)  Lead,  or  some  other  meted,  is  often  found  in  sweet  wines,  sometimes 
also  in  other  wines,  and  is  a  slow  poison,  woi-se  than  any  other  adulteration. 
— A  nice  taste  will  detect  metallic  poison  in  wine,  the  sweetness  of  which 
is  disagreeable.  Dissolve  sulphuret  of  lime  in  water,  and  drop  some  of  it 
into  a  glass  of  wine — if  it  turns  brown  or  black,  it  contains  metallic  poison. 
Suspend  a  bit  of  polished  zinc  in  the  wine — delicate  fibrils  of  lead  will  form 
ujion  it,  if  this  metal  is  contained  in  the  wine.  Dissolve  Glauber  salts 
(sulphate  of  soda)  in  lukewarm  water  till  it  becomes  saturated,  let  it  cool, 
then  pour  into  a  tumbler  half  filled  with  wine,  as  much  of  it  as  will  fill  the 
tumbler,  let  it  stand  over  night,  and  there  will  remain  a  white  sediment 
from  the -lead.  If  you  put  into  a  ghuss  of  wine  a  few  drops  of  sulphuric 
acid,  and  the  wine  becomes  turbid  and  leaves  a  white  sediment,  it  contains 
this  poison. 

e)  Corrosive  sublimate. — If  you  put  a  few  drops  of  hartshorn  into  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  water,  and  put  this  mixture  into  a  glass  of  wine  and  it  leaves 
the  least  sediment,  the  wine  contains  corrosive  sublimate.  Another  test  is 
as  follows:  Put  a  gold  coin  on  a  piece  of  zinc,  put  both  into  a  slit  made  in 
a  small  stick  and  hold  the  coin  and  zinc  in  a  large  tumbler  full  of  wine. 


86 


ADULTERATIONS   AND    POISONS. 


Sliould  a  gray  dust  immediately  appear  on  the  coin,  there  is  corrosive  sub- 
limate in  the  wine. 

/)  Arsenic. — Dissolve  lime  in  water  till  the  latter  becomes  saturated, 
then  pour  off  what  is  clear  into  a  clean  tumbler,  and  drop  some  wine  into 
it;  if  the  wine  occasions  white  clouds,  it  is  likely  that  it  contains  ai-senic. 
To  convince  yourself  more  fully,  dissolve  sugar  of  lead  in  aquafortis,  pour 
a  wineglassful  of  this  solution  into  a  bottle  of  wine  into  which  a  little  liarts- 
horn  has  been  previously  put,  and  shake  it.  The  next  day  pour  off  what 
is  clear,  and  with  the  turbid  part  wash  the  sediment  well  out  of  the  bottle, 
and  strain  it  through  blotting  paper,  till  the  liquid  has  passed  off;  then  put 
the  sediment,  after  it  has  been  dried  on  the  paper,  upon  live  coals ;  if  it 
smells  like  garlic,  arsenic  is  present. 

It  is  not  meant  to  imply  that  arsenic  exists  in  the  wine  by  the  intention 
of  the  wine  dealer  or  vender ;  but  that  vintners,  who  fumigate  their  casks 
with  sulphur,  are  ignorant  that  the  finest  sulpliur  is  apt  to  contain  arsenic, 
which  has  remained  in  it  from  its  original  prejiaration. 

Vinegar  is  often  :iiliiltfniteil.  If  you  cannot  have  hnme-ninile  vinegar, 
use  cider  vinegar,  whirh  may  ahvavs  liu  liad  pure.  Wine  vinegar  often  re- 
tains the  poison  of  the  adulterated  wine,  from  which  it  has  been  made. 
Vinegar  is  generally  adulterated  by  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid.  This 
you  can  discover  Ijy  means  of  a  solution  of  sugar  of  lead,  which  causes  a 
white  sediment.  A  corroding  vegetable  poison,  called  wood-vinegar,  is  also 
frequently  used.  Such  vinegar  will  burn  on  the  lips,  which  pure  vinegar 
will  not  do ;  it  also  leaves  an  acrid  taste  in  the  mouth.  You  can  ascertain 
it  still  more  positively  by  dropping  a  solution  of  potash  into  the  vinegar, 
until  litmus  paper  dipped  in  it  no  longer  turns  red.  Pure  vinegar  will 
then  have  lost  its  sharpness  altogether,  and  only  taste  like  salt  or  lye,  while 
an  adulterated  article  will  retain  a  sharp  and  acrid  taste. 

Malt  Liquors  are  frequently  adulterated,  but  it  is  difficult  to  detect  the 
poisonous  ingredients,  except  by  their  pernicious  effects.  This  is  generally 
the  case  with  the  far-famed  London  brown  stout  and  porter,  which  are 
occasionally  adulterated  with  those  deleterious  substances,  Nux  vomica, 
Tobacco  and  Cocculus  indicus.  You  may  perceive  this  by  a  sudden  in- 
toxication and  headache  the  next  morning  after  drinking  it,  or  by  its 
producing  nausea  in  a  healthy  person  after  drinking  a  tumblerful  of  it  on 
an  empty  stomach.  Any  brewer  who  uses  other  substances  in  his  beer  than 
malt  and  hops,  brews  an  injurious,  even  poisonous,  drink ;  salt  and  sugar 
are  allowable,  but  the  effects  of  other  substances  will  sooner  or  later  be  felt 
by  those  who  drink  the  beer.  It  is  an  injurious  deception  to  use  bitter  roots 
and  herbs  instead  of  sufficient  hops  and  malt,  and  Cocculus  indicus  is  nearly 
as  bad  as  Arsenic.  Alum  and  vitriol  are  sometimes  used ;  how  they  may 
be  detected  we  will  show  later  under  "Bread." 


ADULTERATIONS    AND    POISONS.  87 

Brandy  and  other  Liquors  sometimes  contain  poison,  either  tlirougli 
tJie  fault  ol'  tlie  distiller  or  not,  particularly  if  the  fermentation  proceeds  too 
rapidly  or  is  continued  too  long.  This  you  will  perceive  by  boiling  the 
brandy  in  a  bottle  put  into  a  kettle  full  of  water,  over  a  slow  fire,  till  all 
the  spirituous  parts  are  evaporated.  An  acrid,  disagreeable  taste  proves 
the  existence  of  poison;  and  experiments  similar  to  those  recommended  for 
wines  will  show  what  it  is.     It  is  usually  lead. 

Sweet  Oil  is  often  adulterated  with  lead  or  copper.  Dissolve  liver  of 
sulphur  in  water  and  mix  the  oil  with  an  equal  portion  of  this  solution ;  if 
it  turns  brown  or  black  upon  being  shaken,  it  is  poisonous. 

Milk  and  Ice-Cream  are  sometimes  mixed  with  potash  or  lime;  by 
adding  some  aquafortis,  they  will  foam.  When  milk  has  been  adulterated 
with  starch,  it  will  thicken  in  boiling  ;  or  if  you  strain  it  through  fine  linen, 
a  sediment  will  remain  behind,  or  a  glassful  of  it  will  turn  blue  on  the 
addition  of  a  drop  of  the  tincture  of  iodine.  Sour  milk  may  contain  zinc 
from  being  kept  in  vessels  made  of  that  metal.  Neutralize  the  whey  by 
ammonia  and  add  sulphide  of  ammonium,  a  white  sediment  shows  the 
presence  of  zinc. 

Butter  often  contains  chalk,  starch,  flour,  silicate  of  sodium,  chloride  of 
calcium  or  dye-stuffs.  Melt  it  in  hot  water,  and  the  foreign  substance  will 
be  precipitated  or  mix  with  the  water. 

Flour  is  often  adulterated  with  sand,  chalk,  bone-dust,  clay,  etc.  Burn 
some  of  the  flour  or  bread  to  ashes,  and  you  will  find  them  heavy  and  con- 
taining white  grains. 

Bread,  a)  By  Potash. — A  trifling  admixture  of  potash  can  aflect  only 
nervous,  debilitated  persons,  but  when  there  is  much,  it  may  prove  in- 
jurious to  the  strongest — occasioning  dyspepsia,  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  etc. 
Pour  hot  water  over  the  bread  till  it  is  quite  covered  and  let  it  get  cold; 
then  put  a  strip  of  litmus  paper  into  it,  which  has  previously  been  reddened 
by  being  drawn  through  weak  vinegar.  If  it  turns  blue  again,  there  is 
much  potash ;  the  quicker  it  turns  the  more  potash  there  is  in  the  bread. 

6 )  Bij  MiKjni-sii. — Magnesia  is  also  used  as  an  admixture  to  give  to  bread 
baked  of  bad  flour,  the  appearance  of  good  bread.  This  is  principally 
injurious  to  children  and  to  ])eople  of  weak  stomachs ;  you  may  perceive  it 
by  its  taste  being  more  or  less  bitter.  Burn  a  pound  of  such  bread  to  ashes, 
and  you  will  find  the  magnesia. 

c)  By  Alum. — Alum  is  a  very  pernicious  substance,  and  frequently  used. 
Some  liakei'S  make  no  secret  of  it,  and  mixtures  of  flour  and  alum,  or  alum 
and  salt,  are  sold  publicly,  intended  to  make  white  bread  out  of  inferior  or 
spoiled  flour,  wbirli  is  doubly  detrimental   to   those  who  eat  it,  as  spoiled 


60  ADULTERATIONS   AND    POISONS. 

flour  is  of  itself  unwliolesome.  Some  bakers  do  it  without  knowing  that 
tliey  injure  tlie  health  of  their  customers.  To  detect  this  adulteration,  soak 
the  bread  in  water,  knead  it  till  it  dissolves,  adding  enough  water  to  make 
it  thin,  let  it  remain  over  night,  then  strain  it,  boil  the  water  down  and  let 
it  stand  ;  crystals  will  be  deposited  and  you  can  taste  the  alum. 

d)  By  Copper. — Copper  is  the  worst  of  all  adulterations,  and  thousands 
had  been  poisoned  with  it  by  the  bakers  of  France  and  Belgium,  before 
the  physicians  discovered  the  imposition.  When  a  baker  furnishes  bread 
uncommonly  white,  fine,  large  and  heavy,  you  should  be  on  your  guard. 
When  such  bread  is  burned,  the  flame  in  pliices  is  green.  To  convince 
yourself  perfectly,  soak  some  pounds  of  it  in  water,  and  add  enough  to  cover 
the  whole  completely,  let  it  get  sour  and  stand  till  it  becomes  clear.  If  you 
suspend  a  rod  of  polished  iron  in  it,  and  this  turns  ever  so  little  red,  you 
may  be  sure  that  the  bread  is  poisonous,  and  will  seriously  injure  the 
health  of  any  one  who  eats  it. 

We  will  now  briefly  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  some  other 
poisons,  which  ought  to  be  known,  that  they  may  be  guarded  against. 

Old  WELliS,  caves,  cellars,  vaults,  and  particularly  old  privies,  frequently 
contain  air  that  is  fatally  poisonous ;  we  ought,  therefore,  not  enter  such 
places  without  proper  caution,  but  previously  purify  tho  air  by  lighted 
straw  or  gunpowder,  or  by  chloride  of  lime,  or  chloride  of  zinc.  The  fumes 
of  charcoal  in  a  close  room,  or  the  exhalations  arising  from  smouldering 
woodwork  may  cause  the  death  of  those  who  sleep  exposed  to  these  danger- 
ous influences.  The  dry  rot  in  a  house,  which  gradually  destroys  the 
timber  and  walls,  can  cause  dangerous  dise:»ses  to  its  inhabitants.  Buildings 
in  this  condition  are  not  tenantable,  and  ought  to  be  pulled  down,  tmless 
the  dry  rot  can  be  removed.  Mildewed  clothes  even  after  being  washed  and 
cleaned  are  injurious.  The  odor  of  walls  newly  whitewashed,  of  paint  in 
new  buildings,  or  wherever  much  painting  or  varnishing  has  been  done, 
particularly  with  poisonous  green  or  red  Colors,  consumes  the  pure,  and 
engenders  an  hurtful  air.  Nothing  that  has  a  strong  odor  ought  to  be 
suffered  in  sleeping  rooms,  no  drying  clothes ;  no  highly  scented  flowers 
or  herbs ;  no  fermenting  substances,  fresh  hay,  insect  poison,  or  quicksilver 
— all  of  which  will  prove  injurious  to  the  sleeping — especially  to  children, 
and  to  women  in  confinement.  For  in  sleep,  m;m  is  more  easily  affected 
by  noxious  influences;  and  things  which  he  would  hardly  notice  when 
awake,  or  the  injurious  effects  of  which  he  would  easily  overcome,  may 
afiecthim  seriously,  and  even  kill  him  while  asleep.  A  person  may  become 
ill  from  sleeping  on  damp  ground,  exposed  to  a  draught,  in  sunshine  or 
moonlight,  close  to  a  hot  stove,  or  in  an  atmosphere  filled  with  odors  of 
any  kind.  Bad  air  makes  people  sleepy.  If  small  churches  are  not  opened 
during  the  week,  the  whole  assembly  on  Sunday  will  feel  sleepy  in  spite  of 
the  best  sermon.  Persons  who  have  just  recovered  from  sickness  are  very 
apt  to  become  ill  again  there,  no  matter  with  how  good  an  intention  they 
came  to  church. 


ADULTERATION'S    AND    POISONS.  89 

Water  is  often  impure,  and  people  get  ill  from  tising  it.  Springs  which 
arc  avoiileil  by  cattle,  and  have  a  reddish  or  brownish  sediment,  are  in- 
jurious. Whoever  considers  the  loss  of  time  which  a  trifling  indisposition 
may  cause  to  a  whole  family,  will  not  deem  that  time  lost  which  is  spent 
upon  improving  the  water  sujjply. 

Drink  no  water  from  rivers  into  which,  a  little  higlier  up,  manufactories 
discharge  dye-stuffs  and  other  noxious  matters.  Water  containing  sul- 
phurous or  salty  particles,  ought  never  to  be  used  for  drinking  or  culinary 
purposes,  except  in  cases  of  the  greatest  necessity;  for  water  of  tliis  kind 
cannot  be  improved  by  boiling.  Stagnant  water  from  ponds,  pouls,  etc., 
ought  not  to  be  used;  yet,  when  no  other  can  be  had,  it  may  be  iiupruvcd 
by  tlirowing  into  it  powdered  charcoal,  sliaking  it  well,  and  straining  it 
through  a  double  linen  or  cotton  cloth ;  a  good  filter  or  drip-stone  is  still 
better  for  this  purpose ;  such  water  contains  putrid  organic  particles  and 
eggs  of  insects  scarcely  visible,  which  occasion  slow  fevers  and  other 
diseases ;  it  will  avail  nothing  to  mix  it  with  vinegar,  molasses  or  brandy, 
if  it  has  not  been  previously  purified  by  charcoal. 

Bad  wells  ought  to  be  thoroughly  cleansed  and  kept  covered ;  for  the 
water  is  hurtful,  when  leaves  or  other  vegetable  substances  are  rotting  in 
it.  Pipes  of  copper,  lead  or  zinc,  used  to  convey  water,  render  it  injurious. 
One  should  always  let  as  much  water  rurf  out,  as  may  have  stood  in  the 
pipes.  Pipes  of  marble,  earthen  ware,  glass  or  gutta  percha,  are  the  best 
that  can  bo  used  for  conveying  water. 

Milk  is  often  noxious,  nay,  poisonous,  from  disease  of  the  cows — and 
dealers  in  milk  not  quite  devoid  of  conscience,  should  rather  sustain  a 
small  loss  themselves,  than  subject  others  to  a  loss  ten  times  heavier. 

Distillers'  slops,  continually  used,  never  fail  to  produce  disease  in  the 
cow,  and  render  the  milk  highly  injurious  to  the  health  of  the  consumer. 
Cows,  when  fed  for  a  length  of  time  upon  this  innutritions  substance,  lose 
their  teeth,  and  die. 

Cheese  is  sometimes  poisonous,  even  when  it  is  fresh,  sweet — and  savory. 
Every  year  many  families  are  made  sick  by  eating  cheese,  prepared  like 
dutch  cheese  and  sold  by  the  pound.  Dr.  Jeanes  believed  this  to  be  caused 
by  rennet  being  used  which  is  not  well  dried  and  is  partly  putrid.  It  has 
sometimes  been  supposed  that  zinc  was  found  in  cheese,  when  the  milk 
curdled  in  zinc  pans.  The  former  poison  cannot  be  discovered  at  all — the 
latter  only  by  chemical  analysis. 

Poison  is  also  generated  in  curds  and  cheese  prepared  too  damp,  or  with- 
out a  sufficient  quantity  of  salt. 

Flesh  of  sick  animals,  slaughtered  when  in  a  dying  condition,  is  very 
injurious,  particularly  if  the  animal  had  any  eruption,  or  disease  of  the 
bowels.  The  consequences  may  not  appear  immediately,  but  tliey  are  cer- 
tain to  come  sooner  or  later. 


DO  ADULTERATIONS    AND    TOISONS. 

Meat,  badly  smoked,  or,  when  undergoing  tlie  smoking  process,  not  kept 
constantly  in  the  smoke,  or  during  that  process  exposed  to  frost;  sausages 
smoked  badly  or  kept  too  long  and  which  have  become  greasy  in  spots; 
hams,  not  salted  sufficiently,  or  taken  too  soon  out  of  the  pickle,  and  smoked 
at  intervals,  or  in  tlie  spring,  when  they  get  alternately  warm  and  cold,  or 
kept  piled  upou  each  other  in  boxes,  or  packed  when  damp — particularly 
wlien  they  are  greasy  around  the  bones,  and  have  a  bad,  rancid  smell, — 
contain  a  very  violent  poison,  which,  in  many  cases  may  be  the  cause  of 
death  or  long-lasting  disease.  The  same  poison  is  also  generated  in  hams 
and  meat  when  preserved  with  pyroligneous  acid,  instead  of  being 
smoked.  You  can  easily  discover  the  poison  which  is  developed  in  fat, 
or  cheese,  or  old  ham,  by  rubbing  a  portion  of  them  on  blue  litmus  paper, 
when,  if  the  poison  is  present,  the  paper  will  turn  red  or  reddish.  The 
same  poison  is  contained,  though  in  smaller  quantity,  in  rancid  bacon,  ran- 
cid butter,  or  rancid  oil.  It  would  be  best  to  thnnv  away  everything  of 
this  sort — yet,  if  you  must  use  it  let  it  be  well  washed.  This  should  be 
done  first  in  cold  water,  then  in  three  or  four  times  as  much  boiling  water ; 
let  it  boil  about  ten  minutes,  take  it  out  of  the  water,  wash  it  again  in  fresh 
water,  and  try  whether  it  still  contains  the  poison. 

Whatever  has  become  putrefied — meat,  eggs,  cheese,  fruit,  particularly 
cherries,  pine-apples,  oranges,  etc. — is  hurtful,  often  poisonous,  and  nothing 
can  be  done  to  improve  it.  Meat,  preserved  in  summer  by  ice,  and  which 
has  acquired  a  certain  red  appearance,  having  no  longer  the  proper  smell  of 
flesh,  is  very  unwholesome  food.  Putrid  fish,  though  ever  so  well  dressed, 
is  a  very  dangerous  food. 

The  gall  of  every  animal  is  a  poison. 


Fish,  particularly  shell  fish  are  occasionally  injurious.  Lobsters,  mus- 
sels and  crabs,  sometimes  produce  severe  urticaria  (nettle-rash). 

Vegetabxes  and  Fruits  of  any  kind  should  not  be  eaten  by  anybody 
who  does  not  know  them  well ;  and  children  ought  to  be  early  accustomed 
to  partake  of  no  fruits,  etc.,  unknown  to  them.  It  is  often  the  case,  that 
poisonous  insects  infest  vegetables,  (cabbage  in  particular,)  or  leave  their 
slime  on  them,  and  consequently  render  them  very  injurious.  Mildew 
which  blasts  vegetables,  is  also  poisonous.  Ergot,  which  is  frequently 
found  in  rye,  is  hurtful  to  man  and  beast.  Also  the  seeds  of  many  weeds 
are  noxious.  Dry  vegetables,  containing  insects  and  worms,  ought  to  be 
carefully  avoided.  Nuts  may  taste  sweet,  and  yet  contain  rank  poison. 
Even  walnuts  become  injurious,  when  old  and  rancid,  and  occasion  in  many 
a  child  a  dangerous  cough  or  diarrhoea,  often  ascribed  to  a  cold. 

Raisins,  figs  and  prunes  are  a  very  good  relish,  provided  they  are  per- 
fectly sound.  The  unsoundness  of  these  fruits  is  easily  settled  by  a  close 
examination,  which  will  show  that  the  white  dust  adliering  to  the  fruit  and 
resembling  sugar,  (though,  in  some  instances,  it  may  be  sugar)  proves  to  be 


ADULTERATIONS    AND    POISONS.  91 

a  l)eantifiil  little  grove  of  coral,  thronged  by  large,  bristly  animalculse.  No 
wonder,  that  with  children  diarrhcea  is  produced  by  such  bristly  guests. 
All  such  things  ought  to  be  carefully  washed,  first  in  cold  and  then  in  hot 
water  before  used. 

No  one  sliould  eat  fruit  which'  is  half  ripe  on  one  side  and  rotten  on  the 
other,  at  least  not  without  first  cutting  out  whatever  is  spoiled.  If  proper 
attention  was  given  to  this  matter,  we  should  not  be  so  frequently  troubled 
with  bowel  complaints  in  childhood,  and  indigestion  in  after  years. 

MnsHRoo.Ms  are  sometimes  poisonous.  The  best  precaution  in  regard  to 
their  use  is,  to  eat  none  from  which  a  milky  juice  e.xudes;  none  that  are 
old  or  become  rapidly  decomposed.  Highly  colored  ones,  with  an  astrin- 
gent taste  and  pungent  odor,  and  which  grow  in  dark,  shady  places,  should 
be  avoided.  As  to  all  others,  make  inquiry  and  learn  which  are  eatable. 
Taste  them  raw,  and  if  they  have  anything  acrid  or  disagreeable  either  in 
tiiste  or  smell,  do  not  use  them.  Let  them  be  well  washed  in  ctilil  water, 
have  them  pared  and  all  the  gnawed  parts  cut  out.  When  cut  up,  they 
should  be  scalded  with  boiling  water,  then  allowed  to  stand  awhile,  and 
afterwards  boiled  in  fresh  water.  It  is  not  true,  as  has  been  alleged,  that 
poisonous  mushrooms  cause  onions  to  turn  black. 

Kitchen  Salt  being  an  indispensable  article,  every  family  should  en- 
deavor to  have  it  i)ure.  When  salt,  exposed  to  the  open  air,  becomes  easily 
moist,  it  is  bad.  If  an  ounce  of  fine  salt  does  not  perfectly  dissolve  in  four 
ounces  of  cold  rain  water,  it  contains  plaster  of  Paris,  and  is  injurious. 

It  is  a  great  error  to  suppose  that  salt  is  absolutely  wholesome,  aud  that 
too  much  of  it  cannot  be  eaten.  A  small  quantity  suffices  to  make  food 
palatable  and  is  wholesome,  but  the  excessive  consumption  of  it,  indulged 
in  by  many,  is  not  only  unnecessary,  but  even  attended  by  ureal  danger  to 
the  health.  It  causes  dyspepsia,  constipation,  chronic  i:it:nrli~,  hin  ilis- 
eases,  etc.,  and  many  persons  laboring  under  these  afll-itiui-,  '.w  i!hiii 
solely  to  the  immoderate  use  of  this  otherwise  indispens:il-!i- (iirlim.iit. 
Most  of  the  ordinary  articles  of  food  contain  naturally  a  suflieient  supply  of 
salt  in  chemical  combinatior»with  them,  and  when  more  is  required,  the 
cook  should  be  entrusted  with  the  seasoning,  as  salt  is  found  to  be  less  apt 
to  produce  its  deleterious  efiects  when  combined  with  the  food  in  the  opera- 
tions of  cooking,  than  when  added  afterward.  It  is  highly  objectionable  to 
dip  every  moutliful  of  food  in  salt,  as  we  so  often  see  done,  especially  in 
this  country. 

Kitchen  Utensils  should  be  selected  and  used  with  care.  Earthen- 
wai-e  is  often  glazed  with  poisonous  substances.  Let  vinegar  stand  in  a 
vessel  of  this  kind  over  night,  and  the  next  morning  mix  it  with  a  solution 
of  liver  of  sulphur  in  water,  and  if  it  turns  black,  there  is  poison  in  the 
glazing.     Nothing  aiitl  should  stand  or  be  prepared  in  such  a  vessel. 


92  ADULTERATIONS   AND   POISONS. 

Caution  is  to  be  recommended  respecting  iron  utensils  glazed  inside.  It 
is  best  to  test  them  as  above.  Copper  vessels  ought  never  to  be  used  in  the 
preparation  of  anything  that  is  sour ;  they  should  always  be  kept  clean  and 
polished,  and  whatever  is  cooked  in  them  ought  not  to  be  left  in  them  to  cool, 
for  while  cooling  it  will  be  most  ajit  to  imbibe  the  poison. 

The  same  precautions  should  also  be  observed  with  regard  to  tinned 
utensils.  During  the  process  of  cooking,  the  tin  should  not  be  suffered  to 
melt  off,  nor  should  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  be  scraped  while  stirring  its 
contents  with  a  spoon. 

It  is  owing  in  no  small  degree  to  the  neglect  of  these  things,  that  we  hear 
of  so  many  slow  and  tedious  diseases  which  no  jjhysician  can  cure.  All 
those  who  are  so  ignorant,  that  they  will  use  copper  vessels  for  pickling 
cucumbers  or  beans,  in  order  to  give  them  a  fine  green  color,  and  then  eat 
such  trash  on  account  of  its  fine  appearance,  or  who  draw  vinegar  from 
casks  by  a  brass  spigot,  must  not  complain  when  they  suffer  from  a  weak 
stomach,  or  colic,  cramp,  or  nervous  diseases ;  nor  expect  that  a  physician, 
by  any  medicine,  can  expel  the  copper  out  of  the  system  as  readily  as  it 
has  been  introduced.  There  are  those  who  can  bear  it  for  a  long  time,  yet 
the  bad  effects  will  inevitably  follow  earlier  or  later.  The  copper  in  its 
metallic  state  is  not  necessarily  injurious  when  introduced  into,  the  body, 
but  copper  dissolved  in  vinegar  is  always  poisonous.  Coppersmiths  are  not 
more  apt  to  be  ill  than  other  people,  and  a  person  swallowing  a  copper  coin, 
gets  rid  of  it  without  sustaining  any  injury.  One  may  have  a  leaden  bullet 
in  their  flesh  for  years  without  detriment ;  but  the  same  lead  dissolved  and 
taken  would  destroy  life  in  a  few  hours. 

Paints  are  noxious,  because  they  nearly  all  consist  of  injurious  metallic 
substances.  White  lead  and  other  white  colors  are  nothing  but  prepara- 
tions of  lead,  and  are  as  bad  if  prepared  from  bismuth  or  tin.  Minium  is 
lead,  and  cinnabar  is  quicksilver.  Massicot,  chrome,  Naples  and  other 
yellow  colors  are  compositions  of  lead.  King's  yellow  and  orpiment  are 
combinations  of  arsenic.  Blue  paints  contain  copper,  or  that  virulent  poi- 
son Prussic  acid,  as  Prussian  blue,  Paris  blue,  mineral  blue;  or  cobalt, 
which,  though  not  as  pernicious  as  arsenic,  operates  badly  enough ;  it  enters 
into  the  composition  of  smalts,  king's  blue,  and  blue  starch.  Green  paints 
consist  chiefly  of  copper,  as  verdigris,  mineral  green,  Brunswick,  etc.  The 
chrome  green  is  very  hurtful,  but  Scheel's  green  is  worse,  because  it  con- 
tains arsenic  and  proves  injurious  even  by  exhalation.  That  it  contains 
arsenic  may  be  proved  by  strewing  some  on  live  coals,  when  it  will  smell 
like  garlic. 

Imitation  gold  and  silver,  which  is  used  in  gilding  and  silvering  toys, 
is  composed  of  copper,  quicksilver,  zinc,  tin  and  bismuth. 

Therefore  be  careful  with  such  paints,  do  not  let  their  dust  fly  about; 
never  use  paints  containing  arsenic,  nor  suffer  any  to  cume  near  tlie  thihgs 
that  are  used  in  the  kitchen.     To  small  children  no  paint  boxes  nor  painted 


ADULTERATIONS    AND    POISONS.  93 

wooden  or  leaden  toys  should  be  given,  because  it  is  actually  putting  poison 
into  their  hands ;  colored  wafers  may  also  prove  injurious  to  children. 
Fine  letter-paper,  particularly  tliat  of  a  milk  white  or  green  tint,  contains 
frequently  injurious  ingredients,  sometimes  arsenic,  which  is  shown  by  the 
smell  of  garlic  when  it  is  burnt.  Wall-paper  is  often  colored  a  brilliant 
green ;  such  a  tint  must  be  avoided,  since  arsenic  is  nearly  always  contained 
in  the  brightest  and  most  beautiful  sliades  of  green. 

Although  mineral  paints  are  tlie  most  poisonous,  yet  others  also  contain 
deleterious  sul)stances.  Gamboge  is  a  powerful  cathartic.  Indigo  causes 
Tioleut  cramps  and  swellings.  Cochineal  causes  toothache  and  difficult 
urination.  And  we  might  enumerate  many  others.  However,  where  paint- 
ing is  to  be  done,  use  in  preference  chalk,  dyed  yellow  witli  birch  leaves  or 
curcuma,  or  blue  with  indigo,  or  green  with  both ;  ochre  and  other  iron 
colors ;  also  woad,  madder,  Orleans,  cochineal  and  carmine. 

In  order  to  get  rid  of  the  smell  of  paint  in  houses  that  have  just  been 
painted,  place  in  every  room  a  basin  containing  unslaked  lime,  or  a  few 
buckets  full  of  water. 

Of  Cosmetics  and  Washes  we  cannot  speak  with  any  (lualification,  as 
it  is  known  that  all  of  them  contain  poison  and  that  of  tlie  worst  kind. 
Cosmetics  that  are  not  poisonous  will  not  keep  long,  and  sucli  as  do  keep 
are  poisonous.  There  is  but  one  true  cosmetic :  that  is,  fresh  air  and  water, 
and  a  rational  mode  of  living. 

To  induce  ladies  to  leave  ofl'  the  use  of  these  poisons,  the  following  method 
will  be  found  most  effectual.  Let  them,  after  using  paint,  wasli  themselves 
in  tlie  dark  with  water  in  which  some  liver  of  sulphur  has  been  dissolved. 
It  can  do  no  harm,  and  will  have  the  desired  effect. 

Hair  Dyes  and  so-called  restoratives  are  exceedingly  injurious  to  the 
brain.     Insanity  has  been  repeatedly  caused  by  their  use. 

Oil  of  vitriol,  aqua  fortis,  spirits  of  salt,  aqua  regia,  salts  of  wliite  sorrel 
(called  also  salt  of  lemons  and  used  to  take  out  spots)  are  dangerous  articles, 
and  should  never  be  left  within  the  reach  of  children.  Concentrated  sul- 
phuric acid  is  exceedingly  poisonous,  diluted  it  is  not  so  baneful ;  aqua 
fortis  mixed  with  strong  spirits  is  not  very  dangerous ;  but  the  others,  how- 
ever much  diluted,  operate  as  violent  poisons.  The  smelling  salts,  common 
or  caustic  potash,  lunar  caustic,  soda,  hartshorn,  salts  of  tartar  or  oil  of  tar- 
tar, unslaked  and  even  slaked  lime  are  dangerous  substances. 

The  injudicious  use  of  these  things,  given  through  ignorance  in  too 
powerful  doses  to  sick  or  fainting  persons,  has  been  highly  injurious,  and, 
in  some  instances,  even  fatal.  They  ought  never  to  be  given  to  smell,  or 
otherwise  used,  except  much  diluted.  Alum,  vitriol,  saltpetre,  sal  ammo- 
niac and  liver  of  sulphur,  used  too  profusely,  are  also  injurious. 

Not  only  things  containing  mercury,  arsenic,  lead  and  copper,  are  poi- 


04  ADULTERATIONS   AND   POISONS. 

sonous,  but  also  those  in  which  there  is  antimony,  tin,  bismuth,  zinc,  lunar 
caustic  (in  short,  almost  everything  that  is  bought  at  an  ajjothecaries  shop) ; 
all  minerals  and  chemicals  are  more  or  less  dangerous.  Even  things  harm- 
less in  themselves,  improperly  used,  may  prove  hurtful. 

Hydrate  of  chloral,  used  so  much  by  the  old  school  for  producing  slee]i, 
is  injurious  and  has  proved  fatal  in  more  than  one  instance.  Belladonna 
may  serve  as  an  antidote.     For  the  tedious  consequences,  Sulphur. 

Chloroform  and  ether  sometimes  leave  injurious  effects,  which  are  best 
counteracted  by  vinegar.     If  a  remedy  is  required,  give  Hyoscyamus. 

Panaceas  and  Vermifuges. — The  worst  and  most  injurious  of  all  poi- 
sons are  the  abominable  panaceas,  nostrums,  pills,  etc.,  which,  under  numer- 
ous enticing  names,  aie  palmed  upon  the  public.  No  physician  will  deny 
that  sometimes  cures  have  been  performed  by  them,  yet  every  one  knows 
how  seldom  this  has  happened.  No  medicine  will  do  good  unless  properly 
applied. 

From  the  manner  in  which  panaceas  and  other  nostrums  are  extolled 
and  recommended,  it  is  apparent  that  those  wlio  ofler  them  for  sale  are  only 
anxious  to  find  purchasers.  Thus,  pulmonary  consumption  is  no  fixed  dis- 
ease, against  which  a  specific  can  be  rernniiueniUd.  Its  manifestations  are 
so  varied,  and  in  almost  every  case  so  peculiar,  that  careful  investigation  is 
necessary  to  discover  its  nature.  The  reineilies  must  be  adapted  to  the 
peculiarities  of  the  disease.  One  and  the  same  medicine  cannot  possibly 
answer  in  all  cases.  Nor  can  you  rely  upon  the  certificates  which  accom- 
pany the  recommendations  of  these  universal  medicines.  A  case  often  ap- 
pears worse  than  it  actually  is,  and  even  medical  men  may  be  deceived, 
wliile  at  the  same  time  a  trifling  medicine,  sometimes  simply  cold  water, 
will  cure  it. 

The  great  number  of  universal  medicines  which  we  see  extolled  as  specifics 
for  various  diseases,  certainly  reflects  no  great  credit  on  the  inhabitants 
of  this  country.     It  proves  the  ignorance  and  credulity  of  the  purchasers. 

He  who  buys  and  uses  such  articles  may  be  compared  to  him  who  buys  a 
lottery  ticket.  The  ticket  vender  is  the  only  person  certain  of  a  large 
profit.  As  many  blanks  as  there  are  in  a  lottery,  so  many  are  there  in 
these  universal  medicines ;  and  the  number  of  prizes  in  the  one  and  of  cures 
in  the  other  are  about  equal. 

No  man  of  sense  will  venture  in  a  lottery,  if  he  cannot  well  spare  the 
money,  which  in  all  probability  will  be  lost.  But  he  who  ventures  in  a 
medical  lottery,  not  only  loses  his  money,  but  if  he  does  not  get  a  prize, 
receives  certain  injury,  rendering  his  case  worse,  more  obstinate,  and  more 
difficult  to  cure. 

Wlien  a  physician  prescribes  medicine  for  you,  you  know  at  least  what 
you  get,  and  should  it  prove  injurious,  it  may  be  counteracted ;  if  you  have 
not  taken  too  much  of  such  medicine,  or  persisted  in  the  use  of  it  for  too 
long  a  time,  it  is  always  possible  to  repair  the  injury  that  has  been  done. 


ADULTERATIONS    AND    POISONS.  95 

Rut  with  those  unknown  universal  medicines  this  is  impossible;  liecnuse 
we  do  not  know  what  we  are  to  treat.  Whoever  relies  upon  the  impudent 
.Tssertion,  that  nothing  injurious  is  contained  in  tliese  nostrums,  must  he 
credulous,  indeed.  We  have  mentioned  already  in  the  preceding  pages, 
tliat  tlie  poison  from  many  plants  is  as  virulent  as  that  from  minerals. 

Many  of  these  universal  medicines  contain  also  mineral  poison.  For 
instance,  the  colorless  fever  drops  contain  arsenic;  the  imperial  pills,  mer- 
cury; and  so  with  many  others.  Many  things  of  this  kind  are  sold  at  an 
enormous  price,  and  the  ingredients  of  which  they  consist  may  be  had  in 
any  apothecary's  shop  for  a  tenth  part  of  their  cost ;  for  instance,  Haarlem 
oil  is  nothing  but  a  combination  of  sulphur  and  oil,  and  the  value  of  a  vial 
fnll  is  less  than  a  half-penny.     So  it  is  with  all  others. 

There  is  not  a  single  one  of  these  pretended  secret  medicines  that  a  real 
physician  might  not  have  discovered  and  made  known.  A  physician  can 
apply  every  medicine  in  its  proper  place:  the  vendor  of  nostrums  cannot — 
his  object  is  to  m.ake  money;  whether  his  medicine  kills  or  cures  is  a  sec- 
ondary consideration. 

Beware  of  giving  children  the  so-called  worm  medicines.  Whoever  is 
so  inconsiderate  as  to  fill  the  stomachs  of  his  children  with  such  tr.ash, 
should  first  try  these  nostrums  on  himself,  by  taking  a  small  spoonful  every 
morning.     It  will  soon  cure  him  of  his  folly. 

This  remark  applies,  also,  to  remedies  for  vermin  on  tlie  head.  Tliese 
remedies  in  general  are  poisonous.  Cleanliness  is  the  best  remedy,  and 
should  frequent  washing  and  combing  not  avail,  rub  oil  or  a  little  alcohol 
into  the  hair.  Cleanliness  will  also  exterminate  all  other  descriptions  of 
domestic  vermin,  tlierefore  do  not  run  the  risk  of  having  poisonous  reme- 
dies in  the  house,  for  they  often  contain  corrosive  sublimate  or  something 
similar,  and  their  very  odor  is  injurious. 

Camphor  or  even  musk  is  frequently  made  use  of  against  moths  in  fur 
and  clothes,  but  their  odor,  especially  in  bed  rooms,  is  very  injurious. 
Camphor  is,  likewise,  apt  to  effect  colors,  and  the  effects  of  musk  continue 
even  after  it  has  evaporated.  Pieces  of  Russia  leather,  lavender,  thyme, 
spirits  of  turpentine,  or  tobacco  leaves,  will  answer  equally  well. 

Vermin  in  grain  are  more  easily  expelled  by  strong  smelling  plants,  and 
frequent  shifting,  than  by  poison;  and  there  are  many  instances,  where, 
notwithstanding  the  utmost  precaution,  men  liave  been  killed  instead  of 
vermin. 


POISONING. 

CHAPTEr.    VIII. 
POISONING. 


WHAT  IS  TO  BE  DONE  IN  CASES  OF  POISONING. 

The  main  object  is  to  expel  tlie  jioison  as  quicklv  as  possible  and  to 
prevent  its  action  from  spreading;  or  to  render  innoxious  wliat  cannot  be 
expelled.  Much  depends  upon  promptness.  Yet  too  much  haste  frequently 
leads  to  mistakes,  and  nervous  agitation  causes  many  to  act  without  con- 
sideration. 

Tlie  first  requisition  is  presence  of  mind.  Whoever  is  possessed  of  this, 
should  act,  and  direct  what  is  to  be  done.  Let  Iiim  dispatch  the  bystanders 
after  what  may  be  wanted,  thus  rendering  those  useful  who  would  other- 
wise be  worse  than  useless. 

In  most  cases  when  poison  has  been  taken  into  tlie  stom:icli,  the  princi- 
pal object  is  to  excite  vomiting,  particularly  when  the  suflerer  feels  inclined 
to  it ;  or  if  vomiting  has  already  taken  place,  to  promote  it.  The  best 
means  of  effecting  this  is  by  administering  tepid  water,  and  tickling  the 
throat  witli  a  soft  feather ;  a  feather  from  the  tall  of  a  peacock  is  the  best, 
on  account  of  its  length  and  softness;  put  some  oil  on  it,  push  it  down  tlie 
throat,  turning  it  now  and  then,  until  vomiting  has  been  produced. 

Let  water  be  heated  as  quickly  as  possible;  in  the  meantime  take  the 
white  of  eggs  and  beat  them  to  a  froth.  Take  pure  white  Castile  soap  and 
let  suds  be  made.  Let  another  person  procure  sugar,  vinegar,  sweet  oil, 
milk  and  butter.  Have  some  strong  coffee  made,  and  gruel  of  oatmeal, 
barley,  linseed,  or  meal  of  any  kind. 

These  articles  are  usually  to  be  found  in  every  liousehold. 

Whilst  you  are  promoting  vomiting  and  procuring  what  is  re<iuisite, 
ascertain,  if  possible,  what  kind  of  poison  the  sufferer  has  taken.  Sometimes 
a  sudden  case  of  sickness  is  erroneously  attributed  to  poison.  Consider, 
therefore,  what  may  be  the  most  probable  cause  of  the  attack,  and  should 
any  uncertainty  exist,  do  not  hurry  yourself.  You  may  do  some  things  at 
random  without  doing  any  injury;  you  will  liave  to  do  this  until  you  attain 
certainty. 

There  is  reason  to  apprehend  poison,  when  violent,  dangerous  symptoms, 
such  as  are  indicated  below,  occur  suddenly,  particularly  if  these  show 
tliemselves  at  once,  or  soon  after  the  sufferer  has  been  eating  or  drinking. 
The  probability  will  be  still  greater,  if  the  patient  h:is  eaten  any  tiling 
unusual. 

Be  therefore  diligent  in  inquiring  of  the  sufferer  himself,  as  well  as  of 
those  aliout  him,  wliere  he  has  been,  with  whom,  and  so  forth.  Preserve 
carefully  what  lie  lias  thrown  up,  and  likewise  whatever  may  have  been 


POISONING.  97 

left  of  liis  meals  or  drink.  Do  not  sufler  tliese  tilings  to  be  tlirown  .iway, 
although  they  should  become  putrefied ;  for  mineral  poison  can  be  traced 
notwithstanding,  a  matter  which  may  prove  interesting  to  the  patient,  or 
his  relatives.  Should  this  be  a  matter  of  importance,  throw  the  whole 
together  into  one  vessel,  and  pour  plenty  of  strong  brandy  or  alcohol  over  it. 

As  in  every  serious  case  of  tlie  kind,  an  experienced  physician,  or  an 
apothecary,  will  no  doubt  be  called  in,  let  him  subsequently  examine  these 
things. 

Tiie  treatment  must  not,  however,  be  deferred ;  the  assistance  must  be 
immediate,  and  while  it  is  being  rendered,  tlie  cause  must,  if  possible,  be 
ascertained. 

Always  consider,  that  he  who  is  poisoned  may  die,  if  you  apply  too  many 
things,  or  proceed  with  too  much  haste  or  violence.  Keflect,  and  do  one 
thing  after  another  quietly  and  soberly,  lest  by  the  means  applied  you  hurt 
the  sufferer  more  than  you  do  him  good. 

When  you  know  what  poison  has  been  taken,  or  when  you  are  almost 
certain,  have  recourse  to  such  medicines  as  are  prescribed  to  antidote  that 
poison,  avoiding  such  as  might  prove  detrimental. 

When  you  are  uncertain,  act  according  to  the  following  directions,  pro- 
ceeding from  mild  remedies  to  stronger  ones,  if  the  former  prove  insufScient. 
In  cases  of  imminent  danger  you  must,  of  course,  use  whatever  remedy  may 
be  at  hand. 

Vomiting,  or  an  inclination  to  it,  is  always  a  most  important  symptom, 
and  especially  so  wlien  occurring  during,  or  soon  after  meals.  It  is  right  to 
promote  vomiting,  and  this  should  be  attempted  at  first,  without  having 
recourse  to  irritant  substances.  A  good  and  a  harmless  emetic  is  lukewarm 
water,  without  either  oil,  gre;ise  or  butter.  Let  the  sufferer  swallow  as  much 
of  it  as  he  possibly  can;  at  least  half  a  tumbler  full,  every  minute  and  more 
if  possible.  Try  to  induce  children  to  take  it,  first  by  kindness,  then  by 
threats,  and  if  neither  will  avail,  by  force,  and  if  the  latter  has  to  be  re- 
sorted to,  open  the  mouth  by  inserting  a  finger  between  the  jaw  behind  the 
teeth,  and  pour  it  in.  Or  you  may,  after  the  child  lias  made  an  expiration, 
suddenly  shut  its  nose  and  pour  the  water  into  its  mouth  ;  but  beware  of 
doing  this  while  the  chilil  is  breathing  in. 

At  the  same  time  let  the  patient  put  his  finger  down  liis  throat,  or  take  a 
feather,  put  it  into  the  tliroat,  and  turn  it  around  until  it  excites  vomiting. 
Let  the  patient  incline  forward,  |il:ice  your  hand  on  liis  stomach,  support 
his  head,  and  beat  him  ij'ntly  lut«i,.n  the  shoulders.  Let  him  rinse  his 
mouth  after  he  h;i-s  Vdiuitcd,  and  remain  undisturbed  for  a  few  minutes. 
As  soon,  however,  as  he  fccis  another  attack  of  pain,  or  other  symptoms, 
such  as  retching,  hiccough,  or  uneasiness,  let  him  drink  again  until  it  ap- 
pears probable  that  every  thing  has  been  ejected. 

If  he  cannot  be  made  to  vomit,  or  if  he  cannot  swallow,  at  least  not  suffi- 
ciently, or  if  he  retches  in  vain,  does  not  throw  up  as  much  as  he  drinks,  or 


yo  POISONING. 

should  lie  absolutely  refuse  to  drink,  and  you  cannot  introduce  i 
should  he  swallow  again  what  h;is  come  up:  give  him  a  tablespoonful  of 
mustard-seed,  finely  powdered,  mixed  with  a  teaspoonful  of  table  salt  in  a 
tumblerful  of  water. 

In  case  the  sufferer  can  get  nothing  down,  is  quite  confused,  cannot  swal- 
low, his  jaws  being  tightly  closed,  blow  some  tobacco  smoke  into  the  rectum. 
To  do  this  if  the  proper  ajiparatus  cannot  be  obtained,  take  a  pipe  filled 
with  tobacco,  light  it,  grease  the  point  of  its  mouth-piece  with  oil  or  fat, 
insert  it  within  the  anus,  not  deeper  than  about  an  inch,  turning  it  carefully; 
then  place  on  the  bowl  of  that  pipe  the  bowl  of  another  larger,  empty  one, 
and  blow  through  this  into  the  other,  pro]ielling  the  smoke  inward.  After 
blowing  three  or  four  times,  stop,  and  then  begin  again,  and  so  continue 
until  relief  is  obtained. 

The  next  important  remedy  is  the  white  of  eggs.  Let  the  patient 
drink  the  white  of  several  eggs  beaten  up  and  mixed  with  cold  water. 
This  will  never  do  any  harm  and  will  certainly  give  relief,  if  the  poison  is 
metallic,  or  if  the  patient  is  suflering  with  violent  pains  in  the  stomach  or 
bowels,  feels  as  though  he  should  purge,  especially  in  cases  of  poisoning  by 
corrosive  sublimate,  quicksilver,  verdigris,  compounds  of  tin,  lead,  alum  or 
vitriol.  Give  the  white  of  eggs  freely  and  repeatedly,  when  the  substance 
vomited  is  of  a  red  or  green  color,  when  the  patient  has  a  metallic,  coppery, 
or  salt  taste  in  his  mouth  ;  in  general,  when  you  suspect  that  he  has 
swallowed  verdigris,  red  k-ad,  linnabar,  corrosive  sublimate,  etc.  If  the 
patient  finds  relief  fmm  talciug  wliite  of  eggs,  you  will  continue  it,  and 
should  he  be  affected  with  diarrhu-a  and  pain  in  the  rectum,  give  him  an  in- 
jection of  water  and  white  of  eggs.  Subsequently  proceed  according  to  the 
directions  given  below. 

Another  very  important  remedy,  in  most  cases  of  poisoning,  and  appli- 
cable when  the  white  of  eggs  is  ineffective,  is  soap-suds.  But  for  this  pur- 
pose you  must  not  take  soft  soaj),  nor  any  resinous  hard  soap,  except  in 
cases  of  the  utmost  necessity,  nor  any  soap  which  is  stained  red,  as  this  is 
done  witli  poisonous  ingredients,  but  tlie  best  white  Castile  soap.  Dissolve 
this  in  hot  water,  and  let  the  patient  drink  a  tea-cup  full  of  it  warm  every 
three  or  four  minutes. 

Soap-suds  will  only  prove  injurious  wlien  the  poison  itself  was  alkaline, 
such  as  lye  or  potash,  soda,  caustic  potash,  salt  of  tartar,  oil  of  tartar,  spirits 
of  hartshorn,  smelling  salts,  salts  of  hartshorn,  sal  volatile,  lime,  slacked  or 
burned,  and  baryta  {often  sold  as  rat  poison,  under  tlic  pretence  of  not 
being  injurious,  because  it  is  not  arsenic),  pearLish  wliicli  is  sometimes 
mistaken  for  tartrate  of  potash  (soluble  tartar).  AVhcn  tlie  sulistance  which 
the  patient  vomits,  does  not  smell  sour,  but  like  lye;  when  blue  paper 
which  had  become  reddish  from  having  been  drawn  through  vinegar,  is 
turned  blue  by  it ;  when  it  effervesces  upon  aqua  fortis  or  sulphuric  or  muri- 
atic acid  being  dropped  into  it — in  all  these  cases  you  must  not  use  soap- 
suds, but  substitute  vinegar. 


POISONING.  99 

Soap-suds  is  an  important  antidote  in  jiolsoning  by  arsenic,  lead,  oil  of 
vitriol,  aqua  fortis,  all  strong  acids,  and  must  metallic  solutions.  You  may 
conclude  that  the  poisoning  originated  from  acids,  when  the  mouth  of  the 
patient  looks  scalded,  when  blue  paper  dipped  in  what  has  been  vomited  turns 
red  on  the  instant.  Soap-suds  is  also  applicable  when  a  person  has  swal- 
lowed alum.  It  will  also  prove  beneficial  in  poisoning  by  plants  of  a  burn- 
ing, acrid  taste,  exuding  a  pungent  juice  or  milk;  likewise  in  dangerous 
accidents  from  castor  oil. 

The  Calcined  Magnesia  sold  by  all  druggists  is  in  many  cases  still  better 
than  soap-suds.  Stir  it  in  some  water,  give  it  in  large  quantities,  repeating 
it  as  often  as  thrown  up.  It  is  particularly  useful  against  acids  and  some 
metals  as  mercury,  antimony,  zinc,  bismuth,  and  tin. 

Vinegar,  as  already  mentioned,  is  an  antidote  against  alkaline  poison. 
As  soon  as  it  is  ascertained  by  observation  that  the  poison  is  of  this  nature, 
let  the  patient  drink  vinegar,  and  give  him  injections  of  it.  Let  him  also 
drink  slimy  gruel  which  will  excite  vomiting.  But  vinegar  is  injurious 
after  strong  vegetable  poisons,  various  salts,  all  mineral  acids,  arsenic,  and 
particularly  if  the  region  of  the  stomach  is  painful  when  touched.  On  the 
other  hand  it  is  of  great  service  in  cases  of  poisoning  by  thorn  apple,  aconite, 
laudanum,  mushrooms,  all  narcotics,  carbonic  acid  gas,  and  liver  of  sulphur. 
In  such  cases  give  alternately  gruel,  excite  vomiting,  and  subsequently,  after 
having  vomited  freely,  let  the  patient  drink  vinegar  again,  which  will  remove 
the  inclination  to  vomit.  "Vinegar  also  answers  against  poisonous  mussels 
and  fish.  It  is  an  important  antidote  against  the  poison  generated  in  fat.  If 
a  person  feels  sick  from  having  eaten  spoiled  ham  or  sausages,  and  his  throat 
is  very  dry,  and  he  feels  nausea,  hasten  to  give  him  vinegar  to  drink,  not 
forgetting,  however,  tlie  remedies  aforementioned. 

Sweet  Oil  is  a  remedy  by  far  too  generally  applied ;  it  is  supposed  to  be 
a  principal  one,  but  is  not.  The  same  is  the  case  with  grease,  butter,  and 
similar  tilings,  as  butter-water.  Attention  should  be  paid  to  the  kind  of  oil 
used.  Eancid  oil,  train  oil,  or  sperm  oil,  ought  not  to  be  applied.  Slimy 
substances  will  answer  far  better  to  envelop  the  poison,  or  sugar,  which 
sooner  soothes  the  stomach ;  or  other  means  to  neutralize  the  poison.  When 
you  are  sure  that  the  poison  is  alkaline,  and  you  are  applying  vinegar  suc- 
cessfully, you  may  alternate  with  cream  or  sweet  oil,  particularly  when  the 
patient  complains  of  burning  in  his  mouth,  throat  or  stomach. 

Oil,  however,  may  be  applied  to  great  advantage,  when  a  strong  acid, 
aqua  fortis;  oil  of  vitriol,  etc.,  has  got  into  the  eye,  the  mouth,  the  throat, 
or  the  stomach.    Sometimes  it  is  of  service  against  poisonous  mushrooms. 

Oil  is  injurious  in  poisoning  by  arsenic ;  useless  in  most  poisonings  by 
metallic  substances,  and  very  injurious  when  cantharides  (Spanish  fly)  has 
got  into  the  eye  or  the  stomach.  It  is  literally  pouring  oil  into  the  fire. 
This  is  also  the  case  with  insects  and  venomous  bugs,  which  may  have  got 


100  POISOXIXG. 

into  the  eye.     Oil,  on  the  contrary,  is  of  great  service  when  live  insects 
liave  crept  into  the  ear. 

Milk  is  not  so  good  as  slimy  substances ;  bnt  as  it  is  more  frequently  at 
hand,  it  will  do  well  to  let  the  sufferer  drink  it,  instead  of  waiting  for  other 
things.  Rich  milk  is  good  wherever  oil  is  good,  injurious  wherever  that  is 
injurious.  Sour  milk  or  butter-milk  is  good  wherever  vinegar  is  so;  in- 
jurious wherever  that  is.  When  you  have  no  good  oil,  rich  milk  is  the 
next  best  thing;  also  when  oil  becomes  disgusting  to  the  patient.  Sour 
milk  is  preferable  to  bad  vinegar;  it  may  also  be  applied  where  vinegar 
has  already  been  used.  Milk  is  very  good  when  the  first  paroxysm  has 
subsided,  and  still  some  pain  remains,  provided  the  patient  likes  it,  and 
feels  revived  by  it.  When  you  Cannot  ascertain  what  kind  of  poison  the 
sufferer  has  taken,  and  you  cannot,  therefore,  choose  between  the  antidotes, 
but  have  given  milk  in  the  first  instance,  and  the  patient  feels  better  after 
it,  you  may  continue  with  it,  on  condition,  however,  that  the  patient  has 
vomited  at  the  outset  so  much,  that  you  may  suppose  the  poison  has 
been  ejected.  ; 

StJGAE,  or  sugar  water,  is  in  most  cases  one  of  the  very  best  remedies. 
Only  when  you  are  certain  that  the  poison  is  a  mineral  acid,  or  strong 
alkaline  poison,  prefer  the  remedies  prescribed  against  such  poisons.  It 
cannot  do  much  harm,  were  you  to  apply  sugar  improperly.  If  the  person 
who  is  poisoned  h.-is  a  craving  for  sugar,  give  him  as  much  as  he  desires. 
It  is  a  good  antidote  against  metallic  poisons,  poisonous  paints,  verdigris, 
copper,  tin,  vitriol  or  alum ;  .  continue  with  it,  if  the  patient  finds  relief 
from  it ;  should  he,  however,  not  feel  better,  alternate  with  white  of  eggs 
and  sugar ;  or,  where  it  is  applicable,  with  soap-suds.  Against  arsenic, 
sugar  is  also  a  principal  antidote.  When  the  poisoning  lias  been  effected 
by  sharp  acrid  plants,  which  occasion  a  burning  or  swelling  in  the  niontli, 
or  in  the  throat,  you  may  give  sugar  upon  other  things,  letting  tlie  patient 
either  put  it  into  his  mouth,  or  giving  it  to  him  in  water. 

Coffee  is  an  indispensable  antidote  in  many  cases  of  poisoning.  You 
must  be  careful  that  the  coffee  has  not  been  spoiled  in  roasting;  give  it  at 
liist  very  strong,  and  then  somewhat  weaker.  In  the  intervals,  do  not 
negki-t  to  excite  vomiting,  should  it  be  still  required.  When  the  poison  is 
unl;iiiiwn,  coffee  is  the  best  thing  you  can  give;  when  the  patient  is  stiipe- 
fud.  -Ic,  |.y,  >,  n^ilrss,  giddy,  as  if  intoxicated,  his  face  red  and  full,  or  pale, 
ciil.l  ;ind  raila\  ■iniis;  or  when  he  acts  as  if  he  were  delirious  or  raving, — in 
all  ihtsc  ("iM^,  i;ive  him  plenty  of  strong  coffee,  without  milk,  excite 
vc'iuitinu',  anil  administer  injections  of  coffee,  till  he  gets  better.  Even  after 
he  has  viiuiitiil  liio  wliole  contents  of  his  stomach,  continue  giving  him  the 
coficc  with  sugar.      In   all  cases  of  poisoning,  give  coffee,  if  the  patient 


POISONING.  101 

'When  the  i«iisoii  is  knciwii,  and  the  tepid  water  intended  tn  lirii-g-  n- 
vomiting,  and  tickling  in  the  throat  for  that  purii'i-,  !  '  .  ■  iii(;ii',n. 
give  coflee  in  abundance,  as  a  drink  and  in  inju  -.  wlien 

the  poison  contained  Prussic  acid,  which  you  will  i.ellinL; 

like  bitter  almonds,  or  peach  kernels,  or  peach  braiuly.  Also  against  laud- 
anum, opium,  morpliine,  or  stramonium,  poisonous  mushrooms,  etc. ;  when 
a  person  has  swallowed  tlie  juice  of  sumacli,  or  when  dangerous  symptoms 
appear  after  medicine  containing  beUadoniia,  ioIik  \  ndi,  valerian,  conium, 
cicuta;  or  after  chamomile  tea.  Coffee  is  al-..  iin[Mii  i;im  in  cases  of  poison- 
ing by  wine  of  antimony,  or  when  autiimuiy,  [■Im^iiliorus  or  phosphoric 
acid  have  been  swallowed,  and  particularly  I'runi  jmisoning  by  nux  vomica 
and  strychnine. 

Camphor  is  aprineipal  antidote  in  all  poisonines  by  vegetalile  siihstanc&s, 
and  particularly,  sharp,  acrid,  burning  pois..n~,  whirh  r.niM-  inlhuiimation 
and  redness;  in  all  cases  of  poisoning,  if  the  [latieiil  sulleis  fruiH  vomiting 
and  diarrhwa,  is  pale,  cold  as  ice,  and  almost  senseless ;  in  such  cases,  if 
you  do  not  know  what  kind  of  poison  h.as  been  taken,  you  should  give  cam- 
jihor  by  preference.  It  will  often  suffice  to  let  the  patient  smell  it,  or  it  may 
be  rubbed  on  liis  skin,  or  given  by  drops  on  sugar.  You  can  make  a  salve 
of  it  with  warm  oil,  or  easily  dissolve  it  in  heated  brand)'. 

Against  cantharides  (Spanish  flies),  whether  they  have  been  swallowed, 
or  got  into  the  eye,  or  used  as  a  plaster,  and  they  have  jiroduced  poison- 
ous effects,  camphor  is  always  the  best  remedy.  Also  when  venomous  in- 
sects or  poisonous  honey  has  been  swallowed ;  for  swellings  or  poisoning 
caused  by  hairy  caterpillars;  for  violent  symptoms  after  eating  food,  in 
which  small  bugs  or  worms  may  have  accidentally  fallen,  or  when  small 
moths  have  been  swallowed — likewise  in  alarming  symptoms  caused  by  the 
sting  of  insects. 

When,  together  with  the  other  symptoms,  the  patient  finds  it  difficult  to 
make  water,  or  it  is  very  painful  to  him,  and  the  urine  is  intermixed  with 
blood  and  you  have  cause  to  think  that  this  originates  from  Spanish  flies  or 
other  insects,  camphor  is  the  best  remedy. 

Camphor,  finally,  is  applicable  to  diminish  the  effects  which  medicine 
may  have  produced ;  when  children  fall  sick  after  taking  tlie  usual  prepos- 
terous worm  medicines,  in  accidents  from  tobacco,  bitter  abnonds,  and 
medicines  that  have  the  smell  of  these  things,  or  cherry  stones,  peach 
kernels,  or  nuts. 

It  is  very  useful  for  the  pains  left  by  the  use  of  phosphorus,  from  poison- 
ing by  minerals,  or  acids,  and  particularly  salty  things.  When  everything 
li.is  been  ejected  from  the  stomach,  let  the  patient  smell  camphor  from  time 
to  time.  This  may  also  be  done  in  poisoning  by  mushrooms,  or  in  acei- 
dents  caused  by  inhaling  the  fimies  of  coal  or  charcoal. 

The  ingredients  sometimes  recjuisile,  sueli  ;is  ehareoal,  lye,  kitelien  salt, 


102  POISONING. 

gtjrcji,  gveen  tea,  tobacco,  are  iu  most  houses ;  the  other  things  often  as 
neceesarv,  such  as  magnesia,  spirits  of  nitre,  spirits  of  hartshorn,  ought  to 
he  kept  likewise,  Ijeing  useful  not  only  in  cases  of  poisoning,  but  in  many 
othei'  4i»eas6S.  In  cases  of  poisoning,  things  of  this  kind  can  only  be  ser- 
vieealjle  if  the  poison  is  perfectly-  known.  Thej-  will  be  mentioned  in 
their  proper  place. 

From  the  preceding  remarks  it  is  evident,  that,  in  cases  of  poisoning 
measures  ought  to  be  immediately  adopted  : 

1st.     To  excite  vomiting. 

2d.     To  lessen  the  effect  of  the  j)oison. 

At  first  you  will  have  to  attend  to  both  alternately,  subsequently  to  the 
latter  object  only. 

The  usual  emetics  are  themselves  poisonous,  and  may  consequently  prove 
injurious;  it  is,  therefore,  best  to  excite  vomiting  by  the  following  means: 

Drinking  lukewarm  water,  as  much  and  as  often  as  possible. 

Tickling  the  throat ;  and  only  when  this  proves  ineffectual — 

Snuff  put  upon  the  tongue;  or  in  cases  in  which  this  has  no  effect. 

Ground  mustard  with  salt  in  water ;  and  only  in  cases,  where  nothing 
can  be  introduced  into  the  mouth. 

Injections  of  the  smoke  of  tobacco. 

But  if  the  symptoms  are  very  urgent  and  it  is  thought  advisable  to  empty 
the  stomach  as  soon  as  possible,  the  stomach-pump  must  be  used. 

The  principal  remedies  to  lessen  the  effects  of  the  poison,  when  it  is  un- 
known, are,  if  there  is  great  pain,  water  and  the  white  of  eggs — if  insensi- 
bility predominates,  coffee. 

As  soon  as  it  is  ascertained  that  the  poison  is  an  acid,  give  magnesia  in 
water  or  soap-suds ;  if  a  metal,  white  of  eggs  or  soap-suds ;  if  an  alkali, 
vinegar  and  water  and  lemon  juice,  or  juice  of  sour  fruit. 

All  other  remedies  are  only  ajiplicable  when  you  know  what  kind  of 
poison  you  have  to  deal  with. 


TREATMENT  WHEN  THE  POISON  IS  ASCERTAINED. 

Generally,  the  aforementioned  rules  hold  good ;  besides  attending  to 
the  vomiting,  however,  administer  immediately  the  remedies  here  recom- 
mended. 

The  antidotes  recommended  against  eadi  particular  jioison  have  been 
.arranged  according  to  their  efficacy,  the  most  efficient  being  mentioned 
first.  When  these  are  not  at  hand,  give  what  can  be  first  procured.  If  a 
person,  for  instance,  has  swallowed  sulphuric  acid,  it  would  be  folly  to  wait 
until  magnesia  or  wliite  soap  could  be  brought  from  the  apothecary;  when 
these  cannot  be  had  on  the  spot,  take  a  handful  of  wood  ashes,- stir  them 
in  water  and  let  this  be  drunk  immediatelv,  although  it  will  nut  answer 
as  well. 


POISONING.  103 

I.  POISONING  BY  INHALING  GASES  AND  BY  SUB- 
STANCES INTRODUCED  INTO  THE  STOMACH. 

1.     PoiSONOrS  (lASES;   AXTIDOTE-S   AND   TrKATMENT. 

«)  Gases  produced  in  places  deprli-cd  of  a  current  of  fresh  air.  In  deep 
privies  that  have  not  been  cleansed  for  a  length  of  time ;  in  places  deprived 
of  a  current  of  fresh  air,  wliere  ofi'al  of  animals  is  sufTered  to  decay,  a 
poisonous  gas  of  a  fffitid,  ofiensive  smell,  resembling  tliat  of  rotten  eggs,  and 
in  wliicli  polished  metal,  particularly  silver,  turns  black,  is  generated. 

Such  gas  inhaled  will  cause  nausea,  nervou.sness  and  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing; the  pulse  becomes  intermittent,  there  is  an  expression  of  languor 
about  the  eye;  a  coldness  is  felt  in  the  ears;  the  abdomen  is  contracted, 
and  unless  the  sufferer  is  sjjeedly  removed  from  its  influence,  convulsions 
and  apparent  death  ensue,  which  latter,  if  no  medical  aid  is  afforded,  will 
terminate  in  actual  death.  The  best  disinfectants  are  chloride  of  lime,  or 
chloride  of  zinc. 

Before  persons  expose  themselves  they  should  provide  chloride  of  lime, 
some  of  which,  diluted  with  water,  will  destroy  the  fcetid  gas,  and  enable 
them  to  work  in  such  places  without  danger.  The  bad  smell  is  lessened 
but  not  so  speedUy  removed  by  throwing  in  a  few  shovelfuls  of  quick  lime 
at  intervals  for  several  days. 

A  ])erson  who  has  become  insensible  by  inhaling  this  gas,  should  im- 
mediately be  brought  into  the  fresh  air,  undressed,  and  placed  on  his  back, 
with  the  chest  elevated,  and  cold  water  thrown  plentifully  on  his  face  and 
chest.  If  you  have  a  solution  of  chloride  of  lime  in  water  at  band,  dip  a 
sponge  in  it,  and  hold  it  occiisionally  to  the  nose.  The  solution  should  be 
so  weak,  as  not  to  excite  cougli  in  a  healthy  person  who  inhales  it.  Put  a 
tablespoonful  of  the  strong  solution  into  a  tumblerful  of  water,  and  .put 
half  a  teaspoonful  of  tliis  into  the  mouth  of  the  sufferer,  repeat  it  every  five 
or  ten  minutes  until  the  patient  begins  to  revive,  then  at  longer  intervals. 

If  vinegar  can  be  had  sooner,  mix  this  with  an  equal  portion  of  water, 
and  sprinkle  the  face  with  it — and  hold  a  sponge  dipped  in  vinegar  before 
the  nose  and  mouth. 

During  this  time  tlie  iiatient  should  be  rubbed  with  hot  flannel.  If  Ids 
face  lias  been  sprinkled  with  cold  water  or  vinegar,  wipe  it  dry  alter  a  little 
while ;  then  rub  it  with  hot  flannel,  and  repeat  the  sjirinkling.  Tiie  feet, 
abdomen,  chest,  and  arms  particularly,  ought  to  be  well  rubbed.  The  soles 
of  the  feet  and  the  back  may  be  brushed  a  little  with  a  stiff  brush. 

If  the  patient  has  not  returned  to  conciousness  by  this  time,  follow  the 
directions  given  for  applying  the  metliod  to  pro<luce  artificial  respiration, 
under  tlie  liead  of  "Ai)parent  Death  from  Drowning,"  or  those  given 
below. 


104  POISONING. 

Be  not  too  Iiasty,  but  proceed  gently  and  persevcringly.  Life  sometimes 
does  not  return  in  less  than  three  or  four  hours. 

If  the  patient,  apparently  dead,  does  not  breatlie  at  all,  it  is  useless  to 
hold  a  sponge  before  his  nose ;  only  try  from  time  to  time,  while  employ- 
ing artificial  respiration,  by  holding  a  light  feather  there,  whether  his 
breatliing  has  recommenced.  Occasionally  blow  air  into  his  moutli,  which 
is  best  done  by  a  person  inhaling  as  much  as  he  can,  and  then  placing  his 
mouth  to  that  of  the  patient  (whose  nose  should  be  closed),  blow  in  the  air 
gradually.  If  this  expands  the  chest,  let  the  brealli  pass  out  by  itself,  and 
repeat  the  operation.  If  the  breath  will  not  p:iss  out,  compress  the  chest 
in  the  manner  recommended  under  "Apparent  Death  from  Drowning." 

By  thus  producing  an  artificial  respiration,  a  person  apparently  dead 
may  often  be  restored  again,  but  he  wlio  undertakes  the  operation  sliould 
himself  be  healthy,  and  have  a  sweet  breath,  and  either  drink  some 
vinegar,  or  rinse  his  mouth  with  it  occasionally.  As  soon  as  the  patient 
makes  an  attempt  at  drawing  in  his  breath,  or  at  exhaling  it  with  a  sigh, 
discontinue  these  efforts,  and  gently  fan  fresh  air  toward  him,  and  when 
the  breathing  becomes  stronger,  hold  a  sponge  to  his  mouth,  dipped  in  a 
very  weak  solution  of  chloride  of  lime,  or  vinegar. 

Care  must  be  taken,  indeed,  lest  you  extinguish  tlie  feeble  life  which  is 
just  returning.  If  the  patient  recovers,  give  him  a  few  drops  of  a  weak 
solution  of  chloride  of  lime  or  vinegar  on  his  tongue.  If  he  comjdains  of 
cold,  inclination  to  go  to  stool,  of  nausea,  and  vinegar  will  not  remove  these 
symptoms,  or  if  he  is  getting  tired  of  the  vinegar,  give  him  a  little  coflee 
without  milk.  If  he  complains  of  lieat  and  great  weakness,  give  him  a 
little  good  old  wine,  and  afterwards  Cinchona.  The  smell  of  camphor  too  is 
often  beneficial ;  in  this  resj^ect  consult  the  wishes  of  the  patient ;  what- 
ever is  most  agreeable  to  him,  or  affords  him  relief,  deserves  the  pre- 
ference. 

Another  poisonous  gas,  which  is  suffocating,  is  generated  in  deejj  wells, 
vaults  and  lime  furnaces.  It  has  not  the  bad  smell  of  the  gas  above  men- 
tioned, but  causes  sleepiness,  giddiness,  and  at  last  loss  of  consciousness; 
persons  affected  by  it  will  usually  revive  in  a  short  time,  by  bringing  them 
speedily  into  the  open  air,  sprinkling  tliem  with  cold  water  and  vinegar, 
and  pouring  coffee  into  their  mouths.  Do  not  act  with  too  much  precipi- 
tation— delay  is  not  po  d;inp:ei-nn<:  in  such  a  case.  If  respiration  does  not 
return,  it  will  be  necus^.n  y  i^  inll.iir  the  lungs,  by  breathing  into  the  moutli, 
or  by  applying  the  otlu  i  m.tliM,!  ..I'artificial  respiration. 

b)  Oas  generated  bi/  dtarvoid. — Tlie  gas  arising  from  charcoal  is  a  most 
dangerous  poison,  particularly  to  persons  sleeping.  Never  sleep  with 
lighted  charcoal  in  a  room  which  ha.s  not  an  open  fire-place.  The  same 
applies  to  coal.  Old  woodwork  too,  has  been  known  to  smoulder  for  days, 
without  any  smoke  being  perceptible;  the  inhabitants  of  the  house,  paying 
no  attention  to  the  somewhat  smoky  smell,  have  been  found  dying  before 
the  smouldering  was  at  all  perceptible. 


roisoNiXG.  105 

It  is  rcmarkuljlf  iJiiit  all  persons  wIki  are  exposed  to  this  gas,  bceoiiie  so 
feeble  as  to  lie  unable  to  go  into  the  air,  to  open  doors  or  windows,  or  to 
call  for  aid.  They  suffer  much  and  know  the  danger,  but  cannot  make  the 
effort  to  move  from  the  spot,  in  order  to  save  tliemselves.  ■  A  similar  sen- 
sation effects  those  who,  in  extremely  cold  weather,  sit  down  in  the  open 
air  to  rest  themselves,  though  they  know  the  fate  that  is  before  them,  they 
laek  energy  to  resist  it. 

The  symptoms  of  poisoning  by  gas  produced  from  coal  and  charcoal  are, 
if  animation  is  not  yet  suspended,  headache,  with  nausea,  retching  and 
vomiting — sometimes  of  blood ;  a  heavy  burden  seems  to  oppress  the  chest, 
tlie  face  becomes  red,  and  at  last  purjile  and  bloated,  the  patient  is  seized 
with  involuntary  and  hysterical  weeping,  talks  incoherently,  falls  down 
suddenly,  is  seized  with  convulsions,  finally  becomes  perfectly  unconscious, 
and  is  seized  with  apoplexy. 

Carry  the  patient  into  the  fresh  air,  rub  him  with  vinegar,  and  let  him 
inhale  the  vapor  of  vinegar.  If  the  face  is  already  very  red,  and  he  begins 
to  rave,  pour  ice-cold  water  on  the  head.  In  general,  it  is  well  to  make 
cold  applications  to  the  head,  and  warm  applications  to  the  feet,  and  as 
soon  JUS  the  patient  can  swallow,  to  give  some  coffee  without  sugar  and 
milk.  When  the  patient  has  somewhat  recovered,  it  is  well  to  give  Opium, 
and  to  dispense  with  the  vinegar.  If  Opium  gives  relief,  but  only  for  a 
short  time,  repeat  it.  After  several  hours,  or  sooner,  if  Opium  does  not 
seem  very  efficacious,  give  Belladonna,  and  allow  it  sufficient  time  to  oper- 
ate. If  the  patient  is  very  much  excited,  talks  much  and  rapidly,  complains 
of  shooting  pains,  or  if  it  seems  to  him  as  if  he  were  flying,  and  he  feels 
giddy  when  lying  down,  give  him  a  little  coffee  without  milk,  and  continue 
it  until  the  symptoms  require  Belladonna,  Nux  vomica  or  Aconite. 

e)  Dry  rot  in  old  buiklinfjs. — The  effect  produced  by  dry  rot  iu  old  build- 
ings, is  similar  to  that  produced  by  charcoal  fire,  only  it  acts  more  slowly. 
It  is  better  if  possible  to  quit  such  houses,  or  to  rebuild  them  ;  but,  if  people 
have  to  live  in  them,  they  should  try  to  destroy  the  dry  rot  by  means  of 
charcoal  powder.  Place  as  much  of  this  as  possible,  above,  below  and 
around  the  spot  where  the  dry  rot  appears.  The  spots  themselves  may, 
from  time  to  time,  be  washed  over  with  a  strong  solution  of  blue  vitriol 
(sulphate  of  copper),  or  still  better  chloride  of  zinc.  To  guard  against  the 
effects  of  dry  rot,  take  from  time  to  time  a  little  rain  water  into  a  gallon  of 
which  a  few  drops  of  sulijhuric  acid  have  been  put ;  of  course  the  homoeo- 
pathic preparation  of  sulphuric  acid  is  better  and  should  be  used  if  it  can 
be  obtained. 

d)  Chlorine  gas. — To  obviate  the  bad  effects  of  the  gas  produced  by  chlo- 
ride of  lime,  to  which  many  persons  are  exposed,  smoking  tobacco  is  the 
best  preventive ;  or  you  may  drop  some  strong  brandy,  rum,  or  spirits  of 
wine  on  a  piece  of  loaf  sugar,  and  take  it  in  your  mouth.  The  tobacco, 
however,  is  to  be  preferred. 

If  so  much  of  this  gas  h:us  been  breathed  as  to  cause  pain  iu  llic  tiiroat 


106  POISONING. 

and  chest,  a  sense  of  suffocation  and  cougliing,  let  the  patient  smell  liver  of 
sulphur ;  it  must  he  used  cautiously,  and  only  repeated  as  often  as  tlie 
pains  return.  If  it  cannot  be  obtained,  the  smell  of  a  rotten  egg  will 
answer. 

c)  Prusslc  and  mineral  acids. — For  the  effects  caused  by  inhaling  the 
poisonous  vapors  of  Prussic  acid  or  mineral  acids,  the  best  remedy  is  spirits 
of  hartshorn ;  but  by  no  means  apply  the  vial  containing  such  spirits  close 
to  the  nose ;  this  would  only  increase  the  evil ;  rather  move  it  slowly  to 
and  fro,  at  the  distance  of  about  six  or  eight  inches  from  the  nose  and 
mouth,  so  as  to  smell  it  very  faintly,  and  rejieat  this  as  often  as  necessary, 
or  put  a  few  drops  upon  paper,  and  introduce  the  paper  into  a  large  empty 
bottle,  and  smell  the  bottle  from  time  to  time. 

Whetlier  the  vapors  are  from  acids  or  from  alkalies,  may  be  discovered 
by  litmus  paper.  Acids  will  turn  it  red,  alkalies  will  turn  that  which  has 
been  turned  red  by  acids,  blue  again.  In  cases  of  poisoning  by  acid  vapors, 
you  may  put  one  drop  of  spirits  of  hartshorn  into  a  tumblerful  of  water, 
and  give  of  this  mixture  a  teaspoonful  every  ten  minutes.  In  poisoning  by 
vapor  of  alkalies,  give  from  time  to  time  a  teaspoonful  of  vinegar. 

It  is  very  injurious  to  sleep  in  rooms  which  have  not  been  ventilatetl,  or 
which  have  been  shut  up  for  a  long  time.  The  air  has  then  become  stag- 
nant and  putrid — we  may  almost  compare  it  to  the  water  in  standing  pools — 
and  produces  nightmare,  frightful  dreams,  visions,  depression  of  spirits, 
and  fearfulness  approaching  to  horror.  The  best  preventive  is  proper  ven- 
tilation, not  by  opening  the  windows  merely,  but  by  introducing  a  strong 
draught  of  air,  increased  by  the  waving  of  towels,  or  a  blazing  fire  in  the 
fireplace.  Water  placed  in  shallow  vessels  about  the  room  will  likewise 
answer.  But,  if  the  purification  has  been  neglected,  and  tliese  consequences 
mentioned  ensue,  give  Aconite;  for  horror,  Opium ;  for  continual  fear  and 
shuddering,  Veratrum ;  for  headache  and  other  effects  arising  from  sleeping 
in  an  apartment,  where  there  were  flowers  emitting  a  strong  scent,  or  from 
sleeping  on  new  hay,  fresh  air  and  cold  washing  will  be  good,  and  also  the 
administration  of  Nwc  vomica,  or  smelling  camphor. 

In  complaints  caused  by  sleeping  in  rooms  wliieh  liave  been  recently 
white  washed,  or  where  clothes  have  hem  \\\\\vs  up  fir  drying,  or  where  a 
large  quantity  of  clothes  lias  \w\\  k^i't  after  liriiii;  iliir.l,  nr  where  many 
growing  plants  are  standing  in  a  lonliiied  plaie,  ami  «  here  fruits  or  vege- 
tables are  stored,  Bryonia  will  generally  he  henelirial,  sometimes  Belladonna. 
See  also  "Headache." 

If  the  p.ainting  of  liMU. -,  nwun^  and  furniture,  has  produced  complaints 
which  do  not  disaj']"  '  :  i-  _  into  the  open  air,  or  after  w.i.shing  witli 
cold  water,  ylcoiiiV.,  /;  ",. .  i  -r  .Vi/;)A»r,  will  prove  beneficial,  and  .some- 
times Opium  ;  if  it  lia<  iirri.lnceil  pains  in  the  bowels,  nausea  and  vomiting. 


POISONING.  107 

worse  when  moving,  give  Mcreurins.  It  is  well  to  put  a  tub  of  cold  water 
into  llie  liedroom ;  the  water  should  lie  renewed  every  evening.  It  will 
ahsorb  the  jjoison.  Or  a  few  dishes  full  of  unslaked  lime  placed  about  the 
house,  will  soon  remove  tlie  disagreeable  smell.  In  general,  painting  ought 
to  be  done  in  autumn  only,  and  when  the  weather  is  dry  and  cool ;  for  the 
smell  will  then  soonest  disappear,  the  paints  adhere  better,  become  dry 
sooner,  and  are  less  liable  to  be  spoiled  by  insects  and  dust.  ' 

Most  kinds  of  bad  smell,  which  sometimes  fill  a  room  or  even  a  whole 
house  and  which  cannot  always  be  avoided,  as  for  instance  from  a  con- 
cealed dead  rat,  or  from  a  sick  person,  are  most  readily  and  surely  destroyed 
by  the  vapors  of  roasting  coffee.  Heat  a  common  fire-shovel  over  a  lire,  put 
upon  it  a  few  raw  coffee  beans,  and  as  soon  as  you  see  vapors  arise  from  the 
beans,  carry  the  shovel  about  the  room  or  whole  house.  The  purifying 
effect  of  even  a  few  beans  is  really  surprising;  the  usual  perfumeries, 
smelling-salts,  etc.,  are  of  no  use ;  they  merely  conceal  the  bad  smell,  but 
do  not  destroy  it.  Chloride  of  lime  is  not  so  effective  and  is  injurious  to 
many  persons ;  charcoal  is  far  better  and  should  be  used  freel.v.  You  need 
not  dread  interfering  with  the  effects  of  the  homceoijathic  remedies  by  the 
vapors  of  coffee;  if  their  effect  is  weakened,  repeat  the  medicine. 

2.   Poisoning  by  Mineral  and  Other  Strong  Acids — Their 
Antidotes  and  Treatment. 

In  eases  of  poisoning  by  sulphuric  acid  or  oil  of  vitriol,  muriatic  acid  or 
spirits  of  salt,  nitric  acid  or  aqua-fortis,  aqua-regia,  oxalic  acid,  phosphoric 
acid,  acetic  acid,  wood-vinegar,  or  too  much  strong  vinegar,  the  symptoms 
are  a  sour,  burning  taste  and  smell,  a  burning,  acrid  heat  in  the  tliroat  and 
the  stomach,  acute  pains  in  the  stomach  and  intestines ;  drinking  increases 
the  pains — the  breath  soon  becomes  offensive ;  the  matter  vomited  tastes 
very  sour,  ferments,  and  blue  litmus  paper  dipped  into  it  turns  red ;  fre- 
quently the  inside  of  the  mouth  looks  as  if  scalded  and  marbled.  In  this 
case  give : 

1.  Tepid  soap-suds  in  great  abundance. 

2.  Carbonate  of  magnesia — a  spoonful  in  a  cup  of  water — after  every  fit 
of  vomiting,  or  repeated  when  the  pains  increase.  Calcined  magnesia  is 
not  so  good  as  common  magnesia. 

3.  Chalk — powdered  and  mixed  in  a  tumblerful  of  warm  water. 

4.  Wood-ashes — a  spoonful  mixed  in  a  tumblerful  of  warm  water. 

5.  Carbonates  of  potiish  or  soda  (except  where  nitric  or  oxalic  acid  have 
been  taken) — dissolve  as  much  as  will  lie  upon  the  end  of  a  knife  in  a  large 
tumliler  of  warm  water. 

Give  Nos.  1  and  2  alternately  ;  the  others  are  intended  merely  as  substi- 
tutes until  the  former  can  be  procured. 

.\ftcr  the  patient  h.is  vomited  sufficiently,  let  him  drink  gruel  or  barley- 
water,  decoction  of  linseed  or  rice,  or  any  thing  else  of  a  mucilaginous 
character  that   is  at   han<l,  and  let  him  use  nothing  else  for  several  days. 


108  POISONING. 

In  constipation  and  ineffectual  urging  to  stool,  give  injections  of  weak  suds. 
When  the  worst  is  past,  give  after  sulphuric  acid,  Pulsatilla;  after  muriatic 
SiCiA,  Bryonia  ;  after  nitric  acid, -Hepar/  after  phosplioric  acid,  C'"jfm  /  after 
other  acids  or  wood-vinegar,  Aconite.  If  the  patient  does  not  speedily 
recover,  particularly  if  respiratory  trouble  remain,  let  him  drink  copiously 
of  weak  soda-water  for  several  days. 

When  Strong  acids  have  got  into  the  eye,  oil  of  almonds  or  fresh  unsalted 
butter  should  be  freely  applied  to  it;  occasionally  you  may  apply  chalk, 
mixing  it  previously  with  water  until  the  latter  assumes  a  curdled  appear- 
ance. Pure  water  is  injurious,  and  should  not  be  used  to  wash  the  eyes 
with  until  later. 

For  au  external  scald  or  burn  with  strong  acids,  lime-water  is  good,  or  a 
salve  made  of  lime-water  and  sweet  oil. 

3.  Alkaline  Poisons — Their  Antidotes  and  Treatjient. 

Pot  and  pearl-ash,  caustic  potash,  lye,  carbonate  of  potash,  soda,  am- 
monia, hartshorn,  salvolatile,  smelling  salts,  burnt  and  unslaked  lime,  may 
be  known  by  their  alkaline,  urinous,  acrid  taste ;  and  in  vomiting  caused 
by  them  there  is  no  fermentation  of  the  substances  ejected ;  litmus  paper 
which  has  been  turned  red  by  acids  becomes  blue  again  by  being  dipped 
into  them ;  the  symptoms  are  nearly  the  same  as  from  acids,  with  the  ex- 
ceptions mentioned  above,  and  what  is  vomited  is  not  sour. 

1.  Stir  two  tablespoonfuls  of  vinegar  in  a  glass  of  water,  warm,  if  you 
can,  and  give  a  tumblerful  of  it  every  five  minutes.  2.  Lemon  juice  or 
otlier  acids,  but  greatly  diluted — or  sour  fruit  bruised  in  water.  3.  Sour 
milk  or  butter-milk.  4.  Mucilaginous  drinks  and  injections.  5.  Oil,  par- 
ticularly that  of  sweet  almonds.  6.  Tartaric  acid  lemonade,  when  potash 
has  been  taken. 

Emetics  are  dangerous,  and  vomiting;  slimild  nnly  Ije  excited  by  the 
above-mentioned  drinks,  and  by  tickliii^^  iln  tlu":,!  ivith  a  feather. 

In  poisoning  with  carbonate  of  baryi.i  i  [i.riili;ii-  kind  of  heavy,  white 
earth,  which  is  sometimes  sold  as  ratsbuiK  I,  iiarc  vinegar  is  injurious;  in 
this  case  give  merely  mucilaginous  drinks  and  oil,  and  endeavor  to  excite 
vomiting,  until  you  can  procure  Glauber's  salts  (sulphate  of  soda,)  or  Epsom 
salts  (sulphate  of  magnesia),  which  should  be  dissolved  in  lukewarm  water 
and  freely  taken  much  diluted.  Afterwards  let  the  patient  occasionally 
smell  of  camphor,  or  if  this  is  of  no  use,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre.  After  poi- 
soning from  potasli,  give  Carbo  vegetahilis  ;  after  hartshorn,  Hepar. 

4.   Other  Substances  which  have  a  Powerful  Effect- 
Antidotes  AND  Treatment. 
a)    Liver  of  Sulphur. — To  counteract  the  effects  of  liver  of  sulphur,  give 
water,  oily,  mucilaginous  drinks  and  injections,  mixed  with  a  weak  solution 
of  chloride  of  lime,  ;is  long  as  the  breath  exhales  the  odor  of  sulpliiiretled 


POISONING.  109 

hydrogen.  If  drinking  warm  water  and  tickling  the  throat  docs  not  pro- 
duce vomiting,  give  a  weak  solution  of  salt  in  water.  After  the  patient  lias 
done  vomiting,  and  the  breath  lias  no  longer  tlie  suliihurous  smell,  give 
vinegar  if  it  relieves;  if  not,  give  Belladonna,  and  discontinue  the  vinegar. 
6)  Iodine  is  often  given  as  a  medicine,  although  it  sometimes  produces 
sudden  and  dangerous  effects.  To  remove  these  effects,  give : — 1.  Starch 
stirred  in  water;  2.  Paste  made  out  of  starch;  3.  Wheat  flour,  and  after- 
wards thin  mucilaginous  drinks,  or  sugar-water  in  great  abundance; 
4.  Vomiting  should  be  promoted  by  drinking  a  weak  solution  of  carbonate 
of  soda,  and  tickling  the  throat  with  a  feather.  For  the  remaining  symp- 
toms, give  He  par  ;  sometimes  Belladonna. 

c)  Phosphorus. — Oil  and  fat  of  all  kinds,  wlien  given  for  the  bad  effects 
of  phosphorus,  are  dangerous,  because  in  them  phosphorus  is  soluble.  Ex- 
cite vomiting  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  give  mucilaginous  or  albuminous 
drinks,  and  afterwards  give  coffee  without  milk.  Some  hours  later  pour 
water  on  calcined  magnesia,  shake  it  and  let  it  settle;  drinking  freely  of 
this  water  will  relieve  the  pain ;  it  is  best  to  use  the  magnesia  stirred  into 
eight  times  its  bulk  of  chlorine  water.  If  neither  tiiis  nor  the  smelling  of 
camphor  gives  relief,  give  Nux  vomica.  If  the  patient  desires  it,  give  a  little 
good  old  wine  or  brandy,  but  only  a  few  drops  on  sugar. 

d)  Alcohol,  or  strong  spirits  of  wine  and  ether,  taken  inadvertently,  may 
produce  dangerous  consequences.  Excite  vomiting  and  give  large  in- 
jections of  salt  and  water,  in  case  the  symptoms  are  serious.  Generally, 
however,  it  suffices  to  give  milk  and  mucilaginous  drinks.  If  these  do 
not  answer,  give  a  drop  of  strong  hartshorn  in  a  glass  of  sugar-water,  a  tea- 
spoonful  at  a  time.  Pour,  also,  cold  water  on  the  head,  and  place  wet  towels 
on  tlie  region  of  the  stomach.  If  tliis  does  not  give  relief  in  a  short  time, 
give  ^ux  vomica,  and,  as  long  as  the  stomach  can  bear  it,  mucilaginous 
drinks.     Afterwards,  coffee  without  milk. 

e)  Prussic  acid. — Known  by  the  smell  resembling  that  of  bitter  almonds. 
It  operates  so  rapidly  that  you  must  lose  no  time  in  administering  the 
proper  remedies.  In  such  a  case  there  is  no  time  to  excite  vomiting.  In 
severe  cases  immediately  bare  the  patient's  neck  and  back,  and  pour  cold 
water  continuously  on  the  head,  neck  and  spine,  till  consciousness  is  re- 
gained— afterward  and  in  less  serious  cases  proceid  us  fullows:  Let  the 
patient  smell  spirits  of  sal  ammoniac,  held  at  a  little  di-lanre.  Drop  a 
little  on  a  handkerchief,  and  hold  it  so  that  only  a  faint  exhalation  may 
reach  liira.  Or,  put  a  drop  of  it  into  a  tumblerful  of  water,  stir  it,  and  give 
him  a  teaspoonful  of  it  every  three  to  five  minutes.  As  soon  as  you  can, 
get  coffee  made,  give  plenty  of  it  to  drink,  and  also  in  injections,  and  let  it 
be  drunk  at  intervals  for  several  days.  If  no  other  remedies  are  near,  let 
the  patient  smell  camphor  or  vinegar,  and  inhale  the  vapor.  Afterwards 
give  Ipecacuanha ;  and  if  this  does  not  remove  all  the  symptoms,  give  Nva 
vomica. 

f)  ^Hum.— Give  soap-suds  or  sugar-water,  mixed  with  calcined  magnesia, 
until  vomiting  ensues;  afterwards  Pulsatilla,  or  Vcratrum. 


110  POISONING. 

g)  Vitriol,  white,  green  and  blue. — Give  sugar  and  warm  water,  or  the 
white  of  eggs  dissolved  in  cold  water,  until  the  patient  has  vomited  several 
times;  afterw:inU  t;iv(_-  iimcilaginous  drinks. 

A)  Salpetrc  iiml  .s''?  .lunjinniar. — Give  tepid  water  or  melted  butter  mixed 
with  water,  until  the  patient  vomits  copiously;  then  plenty  of  mucilaginous 
drink. 

i)  Bichromate  of  Potash. — Beautiful  red  crystals,  very  poisonous.  Use 
emetics  and  magnesia,  or  chalk.  Acetate  of  lime  or  liver  of  sulphur  in 
small  quantities  are  said  to  be  antidotes.     For  after-effects  give  Hcpar. 

5.  Metallic  Substances — Antidotes  and  Treatment. 

a)  Arsenic. — Arsenic  is  contained  in  ratsbane,  fly-stone,  cobalt,  king's 
yellow  and  orpiment ;  in  fever  drops,  salves  and  plasters  for  cancers,  and 
numerous  secret  remedies,  particularly  in  those  for  horses  and  cattle.  In 
cases  of  poisoning  with  arsenic  give :  1.  White  of  egg  and  water.  2.  Sugar- 
water.  3.  Soap-suds.  4.  Milk.  Next  give  mustard  to  produce  vomiting, 
if  it  has  not  already  occurred  freely.  As  soon  as  the  patient  has  vomited, 
give  again  one  of  the  antidotes.  The  danger  is  not  as  great  when  there  is 
free  vomiting.  A  kind  of  iron  rust  (hydrated  peroxide  of  iron),  which 
would  have  to  be  newly  prepared  in  a  drug  store,  is  the  best  antidote ;  it 
may  be  given  freely  for  it  is  harmless ;  or  a  spoonful  of  iron  rust  may  be 
given,  stirred  in  hot  water.  If  neither  of  these  are  at  hand,  magnesia  not 
too  highly  calcined  can  be  substituted.  When  the  stomach  has  been 
thoroughly  emptied,  give  a  large  dose  of  castor  oil  to  free  the  bowels  of  any 
poison  that  may  have  entered  them. 

After  the  poison  has  been  got  rid  of,  as  far  as  practicable,  give  Ipeca- 
cuanha several  times ;  if  the  patient  still  feels  very  uneasy  and  irritable  at 
night,  is  also  feverish.  Cinchona  ;  if  he  is  worse  during  the  day,  after  sleep- 
ing— if  he  is  constipated,  or  lias  slimy  diarrhoea,  Nux  vomica.  If  Ipeca- 
cuanha leaves  frequent  nausea,  vomiting,  with  heat  or  cold,  and  great 
weakness,  Veratrum.     For  other  after-eflects  take  Hcpar. 

The  liquid  which  hatters  use  in  the  manufacture  of  fine  hats,  sometimes 
contains  arsenic.  The  wearing  of  such  hats  sometimes  causes  eruptions  on 
the  forehead,  or  sore  eyes.  To  prevent  this,  have  the  hat  well  lined  with 
silk  and  leather,  and  for  the  bad  eflects  take  Separ.  Green  paint,  green 
carpets  frequently,  and  green  wall  papers  almost  always,  contain  a  com- 
poimd  of  arsenic  and  copper  which  often  occasions  symptoms  of  arsenical 
poisoning,  which  will  require  Hcpar  for  their  removal.  Some  compo- 
sition candles  also,  are  prepared  with  arsenic,  whicli  renders  them  un- 
wholesome. 

6)  Corrosive  sublimate. — For  this  poison  give;  1.  The  white  of  eggs  in 
water.  2.  Sugar-water.  3.  Milk.  4.  AVheat  Hour  in  water.  5.  Magnesia. 
G.  Endeavor  to  promote  vomiting. 

White  of  eggs  in  water  is  the  principal  remedy ;  it   may  be  given   alter- 


POISONING.  Ill 

natelv  with  sugar-water.    The  remaining  symptoms  require  the  same  treat- 
ment as  those  from  poisoning  by  mercury.     See  "Mercury." 

r )  Copper,  Verdigris. — For  these,  or  any  other  preparations  of  copper,  give : 
1.  White  of  eggs.  ,  2.  Sugar — either  with  or  without  water.  3.  Milk.  4. 
Mucilaginous  drinlis.  Vinegar  is  injurious.  The  white  of  eggs  is  the  best 
known  antidote.  The  action  of  copper  is  so  rapid  that  no  time  should  be 
lost  in  separating  the  white  from  the  yolk,  but  the  entire  contents  of  a 
number  of  eggs  may  be  given  stirred  in  a  little  water. 

d)  Lead. — In  poisoning  by  lead,  give :  1.  Epsom  salts  (sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia). 2.  Glauber's  s.ilts  (sulphate  of  soda).  The  firet  is  the  best;  when 
it  cannot  be  had  take  the  second.  A  tablespoonful  should  be  dissolved  in  a 
l>int  of  warm  water,  and  drunk  in  abundance  if  much  of  the  poison  has 
been  taken.  3.  White  of  eggs.  4.  Soap.  5.  Milk.  Vomiting  should  be 
excited  as  speedily  as  possible. 

After  the  salts  or  soap  give  mucilaginous  drinks  and  injections. 

For  pains.  Opium,  Belladonna,  Nux  vomica,  or  Olonoine.  For  the  chronic 
complaints  caused  by  lead  in  those  who  have  anything  to  do  with  lead- 
paint,  or  of  those  who  live  near  lead-works,  use,  besides  Opium  and  Bella- 
donna, Platina,  Small  doses  of  alum  are  also  useful.  A  good  preventive 
for  those  who  work  in  lead-works,  is  a  lemonade  made  with  sulphuric  acid, 
one  or  two  drops  of  it  to  a  tiunblerful  of  water. 

Poisoning  by  lead  occurs  very  often  from  sour  victuals  being  left  in  tin 
vessels,  for  tin  is  nearly  always  mixed  with  lead.  Things  that  are  sour  or 
sourish  should  never  be  allowed  to  cool  or  to  remain  in  metal  vessels,  nor 
should  silver,  tinned  or  tin  spoons  be  left  in  acid  foods.  Sour  things  should 
only  be  kept  in  wnnilenivaio,  stoneware,  porcelain  or  glass. 

e)  Nitrate  of  S'llrrr,  Lmcir  Omslic,  Lapis  Infernalis. — Give  common  salt 
dissolved  in  lukt-wann  wak-r,  a  teaspoonful  in  a  cup  of  water;  drink  of  this 
freely  ;  also  milk  and  mucilaginous  drinks.  For  tlie  remaining  symptoms 
give  Arsenicum,  Kali  hydrojodicum  and  Natrum  muriatieum. 

f)  Antimony. — For  poisoning  by  this,  taken  either  as  antimonial  wine  or 
tartar-emetic,  if  vomiting  has  not  already  occurred,  excite  it  by  large 
draughts  of  warm  water,  by  tickling  the  tliroat,  etc., — then  as  most  im- 
portant, give  astringent  infusions  such  as  tannic  acid,  nut-galls,  oak  bark, 
Peruvian  bark,  strong  black  tea.  If  tincture  of  cinchona  is  at  hand,  this 
may  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  every  few  minutes  till  better.  Strong 
black  coffee  may  be  given  in  large  quantities. 

If  the  vomiting  does  not  cease  soon,  put  the  patient  into  a  warm  liath,  or 
apply  a  hot  cloth  over  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  and  give  Ipecacuanha, 
every  five  to  ten  minutes ;  if  not  better  soon,  Lackesis  or  Opium;  for  nausea 
and  other  effects,  Ipecacuanha  and  afterwards  Nux  vomica.  For  convulsions 
give  Opium,  and  later  Chamomilta. 

g)  Tin. — For  poisoning  by  tin,  give  white  of  eggs  and  milk. 

The  chronic  effects  of  tin,  which  occur  so  frequently,  from  the  tin  being 
scraped  off  from  tin  utensils,  are  mitigated  by  Pidsalilla. 


112  POISONING. 

h)  CUoride  of  Tin— I.  Milk.  2.  Sugar.  3.  "Wliite  of  eggs.  Afterwards 
Hepar  and  Pulsatilla. 

i)  Zinc,  Sulphate  of  Zinc. — Milk  and  eggs  should  be  given,  and  then  car- 
bonate of  soda ;  afterwards  give  Hepar. 

j)  Bismuth. — White  of  egg ;  sweet  mucilaginous  drinks  ;  milk;  if  vomit- 
ing continues,  particularly  if  water  is  ejected,  give  Cinchona  or  Arsenicum. 

6.    Vegetable  Poisons — Antidotes  and  Treatment. 

a)  Poisonous  Mushrooms. — These  fungi  do  not  generally  produce  any  per- 
ceptible effect  until  several  hours  after  they  have  been  taken.  The  abdomen 
then  becomes  enlarged,  with  a  cutting  pain  in  the  region  of  the  stomach; 
vomiting  and  jjurging  preceded  by  thirst,  nausea,  hiccough,  agitation ;  cold- 
ness of  tlie  limbs,  small  pulse,  stupefaction,  incoherent  talking  and  convul- 
sions. If  these  symptoms  appear,  promote  vomiting  and  let  the  patient 
drink  freely  of  cold  water,  as  cold  as  it  can  be  had ;  from  time  to  time  give 
finely  powdered  cliarcoal,  made  into  a  sort  of  paste  with  sweet  oil.  Give 
also  Glauber's  or  Epsom  salts.  Should  these  means  not  afford  sufficient 
relief,  let  the  patient  smell  slightly  of  spirits  of  hartshorn.  The  remaining 
sj-mptoms  may  be  removed  by  Pulsatilla. 

b)  Blighted  Corn,  Ergot. — Blighted  corn,  or  those  thick,  black  grains  in 
Indian  corn,  rice,  wheat,  rye  or  other  grains ;  also  the  sweet  or  black  rusty 
taint  in  grain  is  very  injurious  to  man  and  beast.  The  ill-effects  of  it,  how- 
ever, can  be  counteracted  by  the  common  black  nightshade,  bruised  in  cold 
water,  and  then  hot  water  poured  on  it.  Inhale  the  vapor  of  this  or  wash 
the  cattle  with  it. 

c)  Intoxicating  Plants. — For  plants  which  are  intoxicating  in  their  effects, 
making  the  person  who  takes  them  drunk,  or  depriving  him  of  conscious- 
ness, making  liim  delirious  and  raving,  the  principal  antidote  is  coffee, 
drunk  in  large  quantities  and  given  in  injections.  For  some  of  these  sub- 
stances, such  as  aconite,  henbane,  and  thorn-apple,  vinegar  answers  very 
well.  Vomiting  should,  however,  be  fii-st  excited,  and  afterwards  large  in- 
jections of  soap-suds  be  given  to  clear  tlie  intestines  of  poison.  If  the 
patient  has  a  red  face,  red  eyes,  looks  wild  and  stares,  cold  water  poured 
over  him  is  very  useful.     Give  him  an  occasional  dose  of  Belladonna. 

For  parts  of  plants  which  smell  of  bitirr  aliiion.ls,  and  consequently  con- 
tain that  virulent  poison  Prussic  acid,  such  as  l.hui-  ahnnnd.s,  peach  kernels 
and  peach  leaves;  also  for  cordials  prepartd  witli  tliem,  such  as  cherry 
brandy,  persico,  and  noyau,  and  many  medicinal  compounds  into  whose 
composition  it  enters,  in  all  of  which  it  is  easily  detected  by  the  peculiar 
smell  and  bitter  taste  and  by  its  effects :  heaviness,  giddiness,  oppression, 
particularly  on  the  chest,  first  a  quick,  afterwards  a  slow  pulse,  paralysis  or 
a  feeling  as  if  paralysis  were  about  to  ensue :  for  all  these  strong  coffee  with- 
out milk  is  the  chief  remedy,  and  in  very  dangerous  cases,  spirits  of  harts- 
horn, of  which  the  patient  may  smell  a  little  from  time  to  time,  or  mix  a 


POISONING.  113 

few  drops  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  give  a  teaspooufiil  every  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes.  Wlien  the  symptoms  are  very  violent,  the  cold  affusion  to  the 
spine,  described  under  Prussia  acid,  will  be  requisite. 

d)  Opium  or  Laudanum. — For  poisoning  with  opium,  laudanum  or  mor- 
phine, the  seeds  of  poppy,  or  a  decoction  of  poppy  heads,  which  are  fuolishly 
given  to  children  to  make  them  sleep,  coffee  is  the  best  antidote.  If  the  pa- 
tient lies  insensible,  pour  hot  and  cold  water  alternately  over  the  face  and 
chest ;  slap  him  vigorously  with  wet  towels ;  when  consciousness  is  partly 
restored  walk  him  up  and  down  between  two  persons ;  talk  to  him,  and 
if  he  relapses  slap  him  again  with  the  wet  towels;  try  if  vomiting  can  be 
induced  by  emetics,  if  not  give  large  drinks  of  strong  black  coffee,  this  may 
induce  vomiting ;  tickle  throat  with  a  feather ;  if  possible  use  a  stomach 
pump.  Let  every  effort  be  made  to  keep  the  patient  awake,  and  that  for 
many  hours.  Sometimes  a  tea  made  with  oats  will  answer  (that  is,  common 
oats,  such  as  are  given  to  horses),  wash  well  a  large  handful  of  the.se,  and 
then  pciur  two  or  three  cups  of  boiling  water  on  them  ;  give  a  tablespoonful 
at  a  time.  If  children,  after  a  large  dose,  remain  stupefied  or  sleep,  give 
them  Belladonna,  in  water,  every  ten,  twenty,  or  thirty  minutes;  if  this 
does  no  good,  try  Jt/uria(ic  acid  in  same  way.  Some  time  after,  it  is  well 
to  give  Ipecacuanha,  repeating  it  a  couple  of  times,  and  il'iln-  ]>:iiiy-.  n  main, 
Chainomilla;  after  some  days,  if  necessary,  Mercurius.  For  iiii^iuilii^  wiih 
the  seeds  of  Stramonium,  called  also  thorn  apple,  give  al>o  colite  and 
lemon  juice,  or  vinegar  in  large  quantities;  if  no  vomiting  ensues,  give 
mustard  and  water;  for  the  remaining  symptoms  give  Sax  vomica  or  Opium. 

e)  Poison  Vine  or  Ivy. — Poison  vine  is  apt  to  cause  a  complaint  similar  to 
St.  Anthony's  fire  (erysipelas).  Rubbing  or  scratching  should  be  avoided 
as  much  as  possible,  and  strong  waslies  or  unguents  to  drive  in  the  erujJtion 
are  also  highly  injurious.  If  careful  washing  with  soap  and  water  does  not 
relieve  the  itcliing,  try  rubbing  with  wheaten  bran,  or  dusting  with  hair- 
powder.  Let  the  patient  abstain  from  everything  that  is  heating  and  stim- 
ulating, and  take  Bryonia  ;  if  the  complaint  gets  worse,  take  Bhus  tox.  If 
the  irritation  is  in  the  face,  and  Bryonia  does  not  give  relief,  give  Belladonna.- 

External  injuries  from  plants  which  exude  a  pungent,  milky  juice,  and 
which  are  very  common  in  the  country,  are  removed  by  washing  with  soap- 
water  and  afterwards  with  brandy.  If  some  of  the  juice  lias  got  into  the  eye, 
apply  the  oil  of  almonds,  unsalted  butter  or  milk ;  if  it  lias  got  into  the  sto- 
mach, use  soai>suds,  milk,  etc.,  but  neither  acids  nor  emetics.  The  same 
holds  good  of  all  acrid,  burning,  corrosive,  vegetable  substances,  as  gamboge, 
euphorbium,  etc. 

/)  Pink  Boot. — In  cases  of  poisoning  by  that  noxious  plant,  pink  root, 
(Spigelia)  so  frequently  given  for  worms,  let  the  patient  smell  camphor, 
give  him  coffee  without  milk,  and  if,  after  the  expiration  of  several  days, 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  giddiness,  etc.,  still  remain,  give  Mercurius. 

g]  Camplior  and  Saffron. — In  cases  of  poisoning  with  camphor  or  safl'ron, 
give  cofiee  without  milk  till  it  brings  on  vomiting,  and  if  all  the  symptoms 
do  not  disappear,  Opium  every  half  hour  until  they  cease. 


114  POISONING. 

h)  Spirils  of  Turpentine. — In  cases  of  poisoning  with  spirits  of  turpentine, 
Opium,  Belladonna,  or  Bnjonia  will  jirove  cffifacious.  If  tlie  kidneys  and 
bladder  are  mudi  alii-.      '    f        '  ^'      lllegiven. 

For  poisoning  by  ;i!'      '  ;  uces  let  the  patient  smell  cam- 

phor, and  give  him  culK  i  |.i  ui  ,;.l  if  i!ii-  r,,;  iplmr  does  not  afford  relief.  If 
they  produce  a  feeling  of  stupcf.ictiuu,  wuak  vinegar  may  also  be  given ;  if 
very  painful,  soap-suds  and  milk. 

7.    Animal  Poisons — Antidotes  and  Treatment. 

a)  Spanish  Flics. — Spanish  flies  (cantharides)  or  plastere  made  thereof, 
contain  virulent  poison,  which  not  unfrequently  produces  very  serious  symp- 
toms, especially  if  it  gets  into  the  stomach  or  into  the  eyes.  It  causes  vio- 
lent burning,  which  is  aggravated  by  oil,  fat,  milk,  etc.  The  best  antidotes 
to  be  used,  both  inwardly  and  applied  to  the  eyes,  are  the  white  of  eggs  ami 
tepid,  slimy  substances,  such  as  gruel,  etc.  Apply  these  plentifully  to  tli3 
eye,  or  if  you  have  nothing  else,  use  flour,  and  do  not  wash  and  rub  too 
much.  The  poisonous  substance  may  often  be  extracted  with  a  narrow  strip 
of  linen  or  paper  rolled  into  a  point. 

For  all  bad  consequences  arising  from  taking  cantharides,  or  from  their 
application  in  blisters,  and  for  similar  poisoning  from  other  insects,  camphor 
is  the  chief  remedy.  Let  the  patient  smell  it  very  frequently,  or  take  a 
small  piece  of  camphor,  put  it  into  a  small  bottle  of  water,  shake  it  until 
the  water  retains  the  smell ;  give  a  spoonful  of  this  at  a  time,  and  rub  with 
spirits  of  camphor  the  parts  most  affected.  For  headache  rub  the  temples; 
for  violent  pains  in  the  kidnej-s  or  bladder,  rub  the  loins ;  if  camphor  should 
afford  no  relief,  give  Apis. 

b)  Poisonous  Honey. — For  the  injurious  effects  of  poisonous  honey,  camplior 
is  also  most  to  be  recommended.  It  should  be  frequently  smelt,  and  spirits 
of  camphor  rubbed  into  tlie  skin.  Inwardly  give  warm  tea  or  coflee  witli- 
out  milk. 

c)  Hair  of  Caterpillars. — The  hair  of  caterpillars  is  apt  to  cause  violent 
inflammation.  Do  not  rub,  for  it  will  only  make  it  worse ;  but  apply  hand- 
kerchiefs which  have  been  moistened  with  spirits  of  camphor. 

d)  Shell-fish  and  other  poisonous  fish,  etc. — Among  shell-fisli,  such  as  clams, 
muscles,  cockles,  etc.,  we  sometimes  find  some  which  are  poisonous  and  pro- 
duce troublesome  complaints.  If  there  is  an  inclination  to  vomit,  encourage 
it ;  give  charco;;l  with  sugar  and  water,  or  in  molasses ;  let  the  patient  smell 
camphor  and  afterwards  drink  coffee  without  milk.  For  eruptions  and 
swelling  of  the  face,  give  Belladonna. 

If  poisonous  fish  produce  bad  symptoms,  give  finely  powdered  charcoal 
with  brandy,  and  if  this  affords  relief,  some  hours  after,  coflee  without  milk  ; 
if  it  does  not  afford  relief,  give  quantities  of  sugar  to  eat  or  to  drink  in  water ; 
if  tills  also  proves  ineflectual,  give  weak  vinegar  internally  and  ajiply  it  ex- 
ternally. 


POISONING.  ]  1 .") 

"When  the  poison  or  urine  of  toads,  frogs  or  lizards,  has  got  into  tlie  t;.  o, 
washing  tlie  eye  with  warm  milk  and  water  has  been  recommended  ;  this  w'lW 
do  no  good,  but  sa/(Va  will.  The  saliva  of  a  healthy  person  '\ill  .iuu.:i!i, . 
the  acidity  of  the  poison,  quiclcer  than  anything  else.*     X  :        ! 

every  hour,  or  :is  often  as  the  symptoms  are  woree.     If  lli-    ■    '     ;     !  ;- 

tcred  tlie  month,  take  as  quickly  as  possible  a  tablesponiiii  ]        ]'.■    '     i     >•- 
dered  oharcoal  with  milk  or  sweet  oil.     If  sudden  and  d:iK  .   :  -ms 

appear,  let  tlie  patient  smell  sweet  spirits  of  nitre.     Som.    i;,;;i.-  jn.  r  -ivu 
Arsenicum. 

c)  Poison  of  fat  in  half-putrefied  meat. — The  poison  of  fat  generated  in  half- 
putrefied,  half-sour  meat,  blood  and  fat,  and  also  in  cheese,  particularly  in 
blood-jjudding-s,  liver-puddings,  sausages,  sour  pork,  bacon  and  hams,  old 
rancid  goose-grease,  and  substances  not  sufficiently  or  regularly  smoked,  is 
very  injurious.  It  is  generated  very  fast,  and  things  which  are  eatable  to- 
day, may  be  poisonous  to-morrow. 

The  principal  symptoms  of  this  poison  are:  lieartburn  and  nausea;  a 
feeling  of  dryness  in  the  throat,  extending,  by  degrees,  into  the  mouth,  tlie 
nose,  ears  and  even  the  eyes,  and  after  some  days  cracking  of  the  skin  of  the 
eyelids,  the  sides  of  the  nose  and  the  points  of  the  fingers.  The  voice  be- 
comes Iioarse  very  soon,  the  pulse  is  slow  and  weak ;  hunger  and  thirst  are 
vei-y  great,  but  the  patient  can  scarcely  swallow  anything.  It  is  generally 
attended  by  great  weakness,  the  eyelids  seem  paralyzed,  the  pupil  of  the 
eye  is  dilated,  and  the  patient  does  not  see  distinctly,  but  as  if  lie  were  look- 
ing through  a  fog,  or  he  sees  everything  double.  The  abdomen  at  the  same 
time  is  tense,  with  much  pain  and  constipation;  finally,  the  knees  and  feet 
become  stiff.  If  the  patient  does  not  die  in  a  few  days,  a  tedious,  often  in- 
curable, disease  will  remain. 

Any  one  who  has  eaten  of  such  things,  and  after  some  hours  notices  tliese 
symptoms,  should  not  be  tardy  in  applying  the  proper  remedies.  If  within 
four  or  five  hours  after  the  meal  he  feels  disposed  to  vomit,  let  him  drink 
tepid  water  to  encourage  it.  If  there  is  no  disposition  to  vomit,  it  should 
be  promoted  as  soon  as  possible  by  artificial  means.  Sometimes  the  burn- 
ing and  dryness  in  the  throat  are  supposed  to  arise  from  acidity  in  the  sto- 
mach, and  people  take  magnesia,  which  does  no  good  ;  or  they  imagine  it 
to  be  from  corrosive  poison  and  take  oil,  which  likewise  is  useless.  The 
only  things  that  can  do  good  are  acids  or  oil  of  turpentine.  As  soon  as  the 
stomach  has  discharged  it  contents,  give  weak  diluted  vinegar ;  let  the  pa- 
tient wash  liimself  with  it  and  gargle  with  it.  Lemon  juice  answers  still 
better.     Wlien  the  patient  is  getting  tired  of  the  acid,  give  from  time  to 

*  There  aro  some  people,  even  doctors  of  medicine,  who  are  affected  or  rather  afflicted 
with  such  an  extreme  degree  of  refinement  and  delicacy,  that  it  borders  on  silliness  ; 
they  think  it  against  all  rules  of  good  society  to  put  saliva  from  the  mouth  of  one  person 
into  the  eye  of  another.  The  doctor  may  write  a  prescription,  send  it  to  an  apothecary's 
shop,  and  wait  until  a  poor  imitation  of  saliva  has  been  made,  by  mixing  flltcrod  white 
of  eggs  and  ^J,  part  of  the  snlpho-cyanate  of  soda,— it  would  take  a  considerable  time, 
however,  before  this  preparation  could  be  made. 


116  POISONING. 

time  a  drop  oi  oil  of  turpentine  on  a  lump  of  sugar.  Occasionally  you  may 
give  a  cup  of  cofl'ee  without  milk,  or,  what  is  still  better,  strong  black  tea. 
If  the  dryness  does  not  diminish  or  returns  again,  if  mucilaginous  injections 
do  not  produce  any  evacuation,  give  Bryonia.  If  a  temporary  imjirovement 
takes  place,  wait;'  but  if  the  symptoms  return,  repeat  Bryonia.  None  but 
mucilaginous  injections,  with  a  little  acid,  ouglit  to  be  administered. 

If  there  are  still  some  symptoms  left  after  the  use  of  Bryonia,  they  may 
be  removed  by  Veratrum  or  Phosphoric  acid ;  should  the  paralysis  or  dry- 
ness remain,  give  Arsenicum ;  this  may  be  followed  by  Phosphorus  if  neces- 
sary. 

8.    Poison  Generated  by  Disease  of  any  Kind. 

Disease  of  any  kind  in  man  or  beast,  generates  poison  in  a  similar  manner 
as  does  putrefaction  in  animal  substances.  Tl\,ese  poisons  difier  as  much  in 
their  nature  as  the  diseases  themselves ;  some  produce  but  a  trifling,  others 
a  very  considerable  efl'ect ;  some  by  mere  evaporation,  but  most  of  them 
when  they  enter  the  blood  or  the  stomach.  Every  one  shuns  that  which 
emanates  from  sick  pei-sons,  and  thus  a  natural  loathing  preserves  us  from 
these  baneful  influences.  For  this  reason  careful  people  avoid  the  garments 
of  those  who  have  for  a  long  time  suffered  from  a  dangerous  disease.  But 
against  diseased  animals  we  are  not  generally  sufficiently  on  our  guard ; 
their  exhalation  alone  proves  injurious  in  many  cases.  Thus,  that  from  a 
horse  which  has  glanders,  may  aflect  a  human  being  with  a  disease  quite 
difl'erent.  The  excrement  of  sick  animals  is  still  worse ;  their  saliva  and 
the  pus  from  sores  are  always  poisonous ;  but  notwithstanding  the  decidedly 
dangei'ous  consequences,  leprous  or  measly  pigs  arc  still  kilUd  and  eaten. 
The  most  dangerous  malady  in  this  respect  is  tlic  uniliiiuiiiit  njiUnic  disease 
of  cattle.  If  the  blood  of  such  an  animid  only  lulls  upon  iIr-  baud,  it  may 
prove  infectious ;  the  same  consequence  may  result  from  the  skinning  of 
such  animals — nay,  from  the  tanning  of  the  skins — and  yet  avarice  and 
ignorance  continue  to  persist  in  the  skinning  of  these  diseased  animals. 
Their  flesh,  though  salted  and  smoked,  is  a  poison,  and  always  produces 
death  or  a  lingering,  iiicuralilc  diseuse. 

The  malignant  splenic  disease  in  cattle  is  known  by  a  sudden  drooping 
and  dullness;  they  stumble  and  tremble,  particularly  after  drinking;  they 
have  a  dry  hot  skin  and  short  breath  ;  during  these  symptoms,  inflamma- 
tory tumors  or  boils  are  formed.  Unless  such  cattle  can  be  saved  by  throw- 
ing frequently  large  quantities  of  w:itor  on  tlieni,  and  giving  Arsenicum, 
they  must  die.  In  case  tlie  hitler  event  takes  place,  endeavor  at  least  to 
preserve  other  animals  that  may  have  lieen  ixpused,  by  the  use  of  cold 
water.  Those  which  perish  should  be  buried  in  a  very  deep  pit,  without 
being  touched  by  the  hands.  Everything  that  has  come  in  contact  with 
such  animals  should  be  burnt,  buried,  or  purified  with  chloride  of  lime  in 
water. 

When  a  person  has  been  infected  with  this  disease,  he  first  feels  melan- 


k 


POISOXIXG.  117 

choly,  weak  and  chilly ;  red  spots,  black  in  tlie  centre,  show  themselves  on 
dill'erent  parts  of  the  body ;  these  soon  become  bluish  tumors,  and  eventually 
inflammatory  gangrenous  ulcers.  By  no  means  put  a  poultice  on  them,  nor 
anything  warm  and  moist ;  bleeding  is  also  dangerous.  The  best  remedy 
is  quiet,  a  strict  diet,  drinking  plentifully  of  cold  water,  and  frequently 
throwing  it  over  the  patient,  and  drying  him  quickly  afterwards.  Internally 
give  Arsenicum,  frequently  repeated. 

■  Whatever  has  been  soiled  by  horses  which  have  had  the  glanders,  should 
be  cleansed  with  chloride  of  lime ;  exposing  it  for  a  long  time  to  the  air 
and  the  sun,  also,  will  make  it  innoxious.  If  a  person  has  been  infected  by 
a  glandered  horee,  give  Arsenkum,  particularly  if  there  is  pain ;  repeat  it 
as  often  as  the  i)ain  increases ;  if  this  does  not  rL-Iicvo,  ,i;i\ f  Lachcsis;  should 
this  also  fail  give  Phosphoric  acid.  Sdiik'  time  alter,  Suljihnr  may  be  taken, 
ifnecessary ;  and  if  some  symptoms  still  reDiain,  alu-r  thrcL'  ur  four  weeks, 
give  Caleurea.  Neither  of  tliese  two  remedies  should  be  given  oftener  than 
once  every  five  or  ten  days — and  should  not  be  repeated  as  long  as  the  case 
improves. 

When  one  has  reason  to  fear  that  he  has  contracted  one  of  these  diseases 
by  contact  with  the  animal,  exposure  to  great  heat  is  recommended.  The 
best  way  of  accomplishing  this  is  to  place  him  in  an  ordinary  vapor  bath,  or 
a  Turkish  bath  ;  take  Rmt  Arsenicum,  later  Lachesis,  ifnecessary.  In  horses, 
a  cure  may  sometimes  be  effected  by  the  administration  of  Aconite,  Bhiis  tox., 
and  Arsenicum,  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  named. 


II.    POISONED  WOUNDS. 

Stings  and  Bites  of  Animals — Their  Antidotes  and  Treatment. 

fr)  Stings  of  Spiders. — The  sting  of  spiders,  centipedes,  scorpions,  tlie  bites 
of  many  flies,  mosquitoes,  and  of  bugs,  are  rarely  dangerous,  but  may  be- 
come troublesome  by  their  numbers,  and  produce  serious  consequences  by 
attacking  lender  parts ;  especially  when  little  children  or  very  delicate  per- 
sons are  thus  afflicted. 

The  best  remedy  is  to  hold  the  injured  part  near  the  fire  ;  or  bring  a  rc<l- 
hot  coal,  wire,  or  lighted  cigar  or  pipe  as  close  to  the  spot  as  possible,  and 
hold  it  there  until  the  pain  is  removed  ;  or,  if  no  fire  is  at  hand,  wash  the 
injured  part  with  cold  water  and  hartshorn. 

b )  Slings  of  Hces,  etc.— When  pursued  by  a  swarm  of  bees,  take  care  not 
to  strike  at  them  with  a  view  of  keeping  them  off,  for  it  does  no  good,  and 
only  irritates  them  the  more;  make  your  escape  as  quickly  as  possible,  clos- 
ing the  mouth  and  protecting  the  eyes ;  but  should  a  swarm  follow  you  not- 
withstanding, particularly  in  the  bushes,  and  should  many  have  already 


11<S  POISONING. 

lie  down  flat  upon  the  ground,  with  the  face  downward,  protecting  the  sides 
of  the  head  with  your  hands,  and  lie  still  till  they  are  gone. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done,  particularly  when  there  are  many,  is  to  cut  off 
the  stings  near  the  skin  with  a  sliarp  knife  or  scissors ;  in  trying  to  extract 
the  sting  with  the  fingers  more  poison  is  often  pressed  into  the  flesh.  S;ilt 
water  is  the  chief  remedy,  constantly  renewed.  In  cases  of  stings  in  the 
mouth  or  throat,  let  the  patient  swallow  some  salt  water  or  rinse  and  gargle 
with  it.  Until  the  salt  water  can  be  procured  apply  fresh  garden  mould ; 
sweet  oil  is  often  useful,  particularly  when  many  stings  remain  in  the  skin. 
Honey  and  strong-smelling  herbs  often  relieve.  In  cases  of  great  swelling, 
itching  or  great  weakness,  give  Apis;  sometimes,  when  there  is  mucli  pain. 
Arnica.    For  remaining  symptoms,  Nairam  murialicum. 

The  same  observations  apply  to  the  stinging  of  wa,sps,  only  tliat  in  this 
case  the  sting  does  not  remain  in  the  wound.  Always  warn  children  not  to 
bite  imprudently  into  an  apple  or  pear  in  which  tliere  is  a  hole;  sometimes 
wasps  hide  therein,  and  their  sting  in  the  mouth  is  very  dangerous.  After 
stings  in  the  mouth  and  swollen  tongue,  when  tlie  above  remedies  do  not 
relieve,  give  Belladonna,  particularly  if  worse  on  the  forepart  of  the  tongue ; 
Lachesis  when  worse  on  the  back  part. 

In  the  very  worst  cases,  when  the  patient  falls  down,  let  him  smell  sweet 
spirits  of  nitre,  ether  or  chloroform,  but  only  a  very  little ;  before  you  can 
get  these  things,  try  to  make  the  patient  breathe  fast  by  making  him  run 
between  two  other  persons,  or  if  that  cannot  be  done,  open  his  mouth,  put 
something  between  the  jaws  to  keep  them  open,  draw  his  tongue  forward,  put 
your  fore  and  middle  finger  upon  his  tongue  as  far  back  as  you  can,  and 
press  it  forwards  and  downwards.  If  the  patient  commences  to  breathe, 
lessen  your  pressure  by  degrees ;  if  he  tries  to  vomit,  release  the  tongue  at 
once. 

Mosquitoes  may  be  driven  aw.ay  by  the  smoke  of  brown  sugar,  strewed 
upon  live  coals  or  red-hot  iron ;  after  some  time  let  the  smoke  pass  out,  and 
close  the  doors  and  windows.  The  bites  of  mosquitoes  which  pain  severely, 
are  relieved  by  the  application  of  lemon  juice  or  ammonia. 

Be  careful  not  to  check  the  inflammation  from  the  stings  or  bites  of  in- 
sects too  quickly,  when  tliey  are  numerous,  by  external  applications ;  the 
consequences  are  the  same  as  when  an  eruption  of  the  skin  is  too  suddenly 
checked ;  rather  give  Aconite,  and  some  hours  later  Arnica.  If  not  belter 
the  next  day,  Natrum  murialicum. 

c)  Bites  of  Snakes. — It  is  well  to  know  wliich  snakes  are  poisonous.  All 
poisonous  snakes  have  in  the  upper  jaw  two  long,  large  teeth ;  all  those 
which  have  in  the  uppiT  ami  ln\M'i'  Jaw  each  two  rows  of  teeth,  are  not  poi- 
sonous. The  bite  of  a  vunnuniiis  snake  is  generally  attended  with  violent 
shooting,  and  sometimes  liurning  pain. 

When  the  serpent  is  not  venomous,  rub  some  salt  or  gunpowder  into  the 
wound,  as  such  wounds  have  often  become  troublesome.  But  if  it  is  venom- 
ous, tie  a  ribbon,  cloth,  strap,  rope,  or  the  like,  tightly  around  tlie  linili. 


POISOXIXG.  119 

two  or  three  inches  above  the  wound,  (o  piovent  the  blood  returning  from 
the  wound  to  the  licart,  and  leave  it  as  long  as  the  patient  can  bear  it,  or 
until  the  danger  is  past.  Every  endeavor  should  be  made  to  extract  llie 
poison ;  for  tliis  end,  the  best  means  is  the  application  of  cupping-glasses 
fro<]Ucntly  renewed  till  notliing  more  exudes  from  the  wound.  A  cupping- 
glass  mar  easily  be  extemporiseil  in  the  following  way :  take  a  small  glass 
tumbler,  liip  a  piece  of  paper  or  cotton  into  brandy,  wliiskey,  or  otlier  spirits, 
spirits  of  wine,  eau  de  cologne,  any  toilet  perfume  will  answer  the  puriKjse ; 
set  lire  to  this,  throw  it  into  the  tumbler,  and  immediately  apply  the  mouth 
of  tlie  tumbler  over  the  wound,  taking  care  to  press  it  close  upon  tlie  skin 
so  as  Ui  allow  no  air  to  enter.  If  tlie  materials  are  not  at  hand,  or  the  wound 
is  so  situated  as  to  prevent  the  employment  of  cupping-glasses,  tlie  wound 
should  be  sucked.  This  can  be  done  without  danger,  provided  tlie  person 
who  sucks  has  no  sore  on  liis  lips  or  in  tlie  mouth ;  it  would  be  well  to  take 
salt  or  gallic  into  the  mouth.  The  sucking  must  be  strong  and  continuous, 
and  the  wound  must  be  drawn  well  open.  Whilst  sucking  press  your  hand 
tirmly  towards  the  wound  over  the  adjoining  parts,  particularly  fr<im  the 
side  next  to  the  heart.  After  everything  has  thus  been  drawn  from  the 
wound,  the  best  external  remedy  is  heat.  Whatever  can  be  had  soonest, 
red-Iiot  iron  or  coals — if  nothing  better,  a  lighted  cigar — must  be  brouglit 
as  near  to  the  wound  as  possible,  witliout  causing  violent  pains,  and  without 
burning  tlie  skin.  Cauterizing,  or  burning  with  a  hot  iron,  is  useless,  be- 
cause it  destroys  the  smaller  vessels.  Apply,  therefore,  the  hot  iron  or 
coals  as  close  to  the  wound  as  the  patient  can  bear  it.  As  soon  as  the  iron 
or  coal  cools,  liave  another  ready.  Place  several  pieces  of  iron  at  once  in 
the  lire,  and  change  them  frequently ;  and  take  care  that  there  is  a  sufficient 
sujiply  of  red-liot  coals.  The  heat  should  only  operate  upon  the  wound, 
and  on  the  parts  immediately  around  it,  and  not  on  too  lai-ge  a  sjiace.  Do 
not  blow  the  coals  which  you  apply,  this  would  cool  the  skin  too  much.  If 
you  liave  oil  or  fat  at  hand,  smear  it  around  the  wound  for  three  or  four 
inches,  and  when  absorbed,  renew  it.  If  you  have  no  oil  or  fat,  take  soap 
or  saliva.  Wliatever  oozes  forth  from  the  wound  must  be  carefully  wijied 
away.  Continue  to  apply  heat  until  the  patient  begins  to  shudder  and  to 
stretch ;  if  this  should  occur  soon,  continue  the  application  for  an  hour  if  he 
can  bear  it,  or  until  the  symptoms  of  tlie  poison  give  way.  If  these  symp- 
toms return,  renew  the  application.  After  the  wound  lias  been  thus  treated, 
rub  into  it  salt  and  gunpowder,  cigar  ashes  or  wood  aslies,  whichever  is  at 
hand,  but  fine  salt  is  best.  At  the  same  time  the  patient  must  be  kept  as 
quiet  as  possible,  the  less  motion  or  agitation  he  is  subjected  to  the  bettef. 
Give  inwardly,  as  soon  as  possible,  salt  water,  salt,  gunpowder  or  garlic. 
If  bad  symptoms  apjiear,  notwithstanding,  give  wine  or  brandy,  a  few  drops 
or  Iialf  a  teaspoonful  at  once,  every  two  or  three  minutes,  until  they  disap- 
j)ear  again,  but  resume  the  treatment  as  soon  as  they  re-appear.  If  the 
shooting  paias  grow  worse — if  tlicy  are  in  the  direction  of  tlie  heart — if  the 
spot  turns  blue  or  sjiottcd,  or  swo!ls— if  vomiting,  giddiness  or  fainting  en- 


120  POISONING. 

sue,  give  Arsenicum,  oft  repeated ;  if  there  is  improvement,  do  not  repeat 
until  worse  again.  If  several  doses  have  produced  no  eiiect,  give  Belladonna. 
Phosphoric  acid  will  sometimes  remove  the  remaining  symptoms,  and  some- 
times Jfercurius  or  Lachesis.  Daily  visits  to  the  hot  room  of  a  Turkish  bath 
are  strongly  recommended. 

d)  Jiiles  of  mad  dogs. — The  bite  of  a  mad  dog,  or  of  other  rabid  animals, 
should  be  treated  in  the  beginning  in  the  same  way  as  snake  bite.s.  Burn- 
ing, cauterizing,  cutting,  lacerating,  suppurating,  and  all  similar  cruelties, 
are  positively  useless;  the  more  you  lacerate  the  wound,  the  more  rapidly 
will  the  poison  enter  into  and  circulate  with  the  blood.  Tlie  cupping-gla.ss 
should  be  at  once  applied  and  the  application  of  radiating  heat,  as  just  de- 
scribed under  snake  bites,  be  made  without  delay  and  repeated  three  or  four 
times  a  day,  an  hour  each  time,  or  until  shuddering  appears.  Let  the 
wound  heal  quietly,  after  the  above  means  have  been  resorted  to,  and  only 
make  use  of  the  precautions  indicated  below. 

Heat  should  be  occasionally  applied  to  tlie  wound  in  the  manner  just  de- 
scribed, until  the  scar  becomes  of  the  natural  color  of  the  skin.  It  should  be 
renewed  whenever  the  wound  appears  hard,  dark-colored,  red  or  inflamed. 
Daily  visits  to  the  hot  room  of  a  Turkish  bath  have  saved  the  lives  of  several, 
and  should  not  be  neglected. 

Sometimes  after  seven  days,  or  later,  particularly  when  the  patient  has  a 
slight  fever,  a  smidl  blister  will  appear  under  the  tongue;  have  this  opened 
with  a  pair  of  fine  pointed  scissors,  or  a  penknife,  and  let  the  patient  rinse 
his  mouth  with  salt  water. 

The  vapor  bath  has  proved  a  very  efficient  remedy.  It  may  be  used  in 
case  it  is  impossible  to  go  to  a  Turkish  bath.  If  there  is  an  opportunity  of 
using  it  several  times,  soon  after  the  bite,  it  will,  no  doubt,  be  of  benefit  to 
the  jjatient;  at  any  rate,  apjjly  it  as  soon  as  any  suspicious  symptoms  make 
their  appearance.  Tliese  symptoms  are:  sudden  and  unusual  thirst,  fol- 
lowed by  shuddering  and  loathing  when  drinking;  an  aversion  to  anything 
bright,  and  to  the  wind;  great  sadiuss  ;iii.l  dijrction. 

The  bath  may  be  of  servicv,  aliliniiL:li  r.pin-ulsions  should  have  com- 
menced. To  administer  the  vaimr  haili,  ihe  patient  should  be  in  a  place 
large  enougli  to  have  sufficient  air  to  breatiie,  and  yet  so  small  as  to  be 
easily  filled  with  hot  vapor.  If  the  patient  is  already  sufTering  from  con- 
vulsions, he  should  be  wrapped  in  a  sheet,  to  confine  his  hands  and  feet, 
but  the  neck  and  head  ought  to  be  perfectly  free.  A  small  room  with 
wooden  walls,  which  can  be  tightly  closed,  is  best.  Into  this  room  carry 
red-hot  stones  or  bricks,  as  many  as  necessary;  throw  water  upon  them,  or, 
if  the  patient  cannot  bear  this,  wet  sand.  As  the  stones  cool  they  must  be 
removed,  and  reheated.  Place  a  tray  with  wet  sand  near  the  door,  in 
w^hich  make  a  hole  to  pass  the  stones  through,  or  place  them  on  a  bench  or 
table  near  the  window.  It  is  well  to  have  some  one  in  the  room  with  the 
patient. 

All  these  directions,  however,  become  useless,  unless  a  good  fire  is  kept 


POISONING.  121 

np,  ami  tliere  is  a  sufficient  luimber  of  persons  to  change  tlie  stones  iind 
lieut  tlu-m,  for  the  whole  room  must  be  closely  filled  with  hot  vapor  for  a 
sufficient  length  of  time.  If  tlie  hath  is  used  as  a  preventive,  one  to  two 
hours  are  requisite ;  if  used  after  the  convulsions  have  commenced,  until 
they  cease. 

A  Russian  hath,  if  that  can  be  obtained,  is  the  best  of  all  vapor  baths  for 
the  purpose,  the  above  is  merely  an  extemporaneous  imitation  of  it.  A 
simpler  method  still  of  administering  a  vapor  bath,  is  to  make  the  patient 
sit  on  a  cane-bottomed  chair,  cover  him  well  up  with  two  or  three  thick 
blankets,  and  introduce  beneath  the  chair  on  which  he  sits  a  tub  of  hot 
water,  into  which  you  are  to  drop  occasionally  a  red-hot  brick ;  or  a  more 
elegant  and  convenient  method  of  generating  the  heat  and  vapor,  is  to  in- 
troduce beneath  the  chair  a  large  spirit  lamp,  the  flame  of  which  plays  on 
a  saucerful  of  boiling  water  placed  above  it.  Such  an  appai'atus  may 
readily  be  extemporized,  but  it  is  also  to  be  hail  in  many  of  the  hardware 
and  tin  shops. 

To  prevent  convulsions,  give  Hydrophobinum,  evening  and  morning,  every 
week,  until  it  produce's  fever,  diarrhoea,  etc. 

Cantliarides,  third  dilution,  may  also  be  mentioned  as  a  preventive.  If 
ulcers  or  eruptions  should  appear,  no  e.xternal  application  must  be  used, 
they  will  disappear. 

If  the  patient  labors  already  under  hydrophobia,  give  Belladoivna  at  every 
return  of  the  convulsions.  If  after  some  time  the  convulsions  continue 
aljout  the  same,  give  Hyoacyamus ;  if  this  fails,  Cantharides. 

The  endless  variety  of  medicines  for  hydrophobia,  to  which  every  coun- 
try and  every  year  make  new  contributions,  do  not  deserve  much  consider- 
ation, as  not  a  single  mad  dog  has  ever  been  cured  by  them.  They  are 
mostly  recommended  from  having,  as  was  supposed,  prevented  the  disease ; 
but  as  only  about  one  person  in  twenty,  of  those  who  have  really  been 
bitten  by  rabid  animals,  are  attacked  by  hydrophobia,  whether  medicines 
have  been  used  or  not,  this  pretended  prevention  proves  nothing.  Many 
persons  are  attacked  by  hydrophobia  through  the  effect  of  imagination,  and 
for  such  cases  almost  any  roniedy  will  answer.  We  ought  not  to  place  too 
much  confidence  in  the  methods  of  cure  so  often  recommended ;  and  to  sub- 
ject every  one  bitten  to  the  tortures  of  cauterizing,  cutting  and  bleeding  to 
excess,  is  absurd.  In  most  cases  nothing  is  required;  and  in  the  few  cases 
where  the  poison  takes  effect,  such  violent  means  are  of  ho  use  whatever. 
If  bad  symptoms  or  ulcers  appear  after  the  bite  of  an  enraged  person  or 
animal,  give  Ilydrophobinum. 

When  putrid  animal  substances  have  got  into  a  wound,  or  2ius — matter 
from  ulcers  of  men  or  animals — give  Arsenicum. 

If  blood,  pus  or  saliva  of  an  animal  affected  with  the  malignant  splenic 
disease,  glanders,  etc.,  use  Arsenicum  and  heat,  as  stated  above. 

For  the  bites  of  any  angry  animal ;  if  pus  or  other  diseased  matter  gets 
into  a  wound  ;  if  you  have  been  obliged  to  touch  persims  or  animals  labor- 


122  roisoNiNG. 

ing  under  a  contagious,  dangerous  disease,  it  is  best  to  expose  your  liands 
for  five  to  ten  minutes-to  as  great  a  lieat  as  you  can  bear,  then  wasli  tliem 
thoroughly  in  soap  and  warm  water,  and  tal^e  Arsenicum. 

We  have  thought  it  advisable  to  prepare  a  brief  summary  of  the  forego- 
ing remarlcs  in  a  tabular  form,  by  referring  to  which  any  one  can  easily 
find  the  proper  antidotes,  in  the  most  dangerous  cases  of  poisoning,  where 
it  is  necessary  to  render  immeiliate  assistance. 


TABLE  OF  ANTIDOTES  TO  THE  lylOST 
POWERFUL  POISONS. 

POISONS.  ANTIDOTES. 

I.    GASES. 
Gas  produced  in  places  deprived  of        Chloride  of  lime  ;  vinegar. 

fresh  air,  such  as  privies,  wells,  etc. 
Vapor  of  chai'coal.  Vinegar  and  vapor  of  vinegar. 


Prussic  acid.  Cold  affusions  to  the  head  and  spine ; 

spirits  of  hartshorn. 
Sulphuric,     muriatic,    phosphoric,        Tepid  soap-suds ;  magnesia ;  chalk, 
acetic  acid,  and  strong  wine  vine-  powdered  and  mixed  with  water; 

gar.  wood  ashes  mixed  with  water; 

carbonates  of  potash  or  soda. 
Nitric  and  oxalic  acids.  Carbonates  of  magnesia  and  lime. 

III.    ALKALINE  POISONS. 
Pot  and  pearl  ashes,  caustic  potash.        Vinegar ;   lemon  juice,   and   other 
carbonate  of  potash  and  ammonia.  vegetable  acids ;  sour  milk  ;  mu- 

cilaginous drinks  and  injections; 
olive  or  castor  oil. 

IV.    METALLIC  SUBSTANCES. 

Arsenic.  White  of  eggs  with  water;  rust  of 

iron;  a  soapy  fluid  made  witli 
e^ual  parts  of  lime-water  and 
oil;  sugaV-water ;  milk. 

Corrosive  sublimate,  copper,  verdi-  White  of  eggs  in  water;  sujfar-water; 
gris.  milk ;  starch  from  wheat  flour. 

Lead.  Epsom  salts;  Glauber's  salts. 

Lunar  caustic.  Common  salt  dissolved  in  water. 

Tin.  Sugar,  white  of  eggs  and  milk. 

V.    VEGETABLE  POISONS. 
Opium  or  laudanum,  stramonium.  Coflee ;  vinegar. 

Bitter  almonds,  peach  kernels  or  Spirits  of  hartshorn ;  coflee ;  cold 
peach  leaves.  afliisions. 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  123 

CHAPTER  IX. 
EXTERNAL  INJURIES. 

CONCUSSION,  BRUISES.  SPRAINS,  DISLOCATIONS, 
FRACTURES,  ETC. 

Concussion  of  the  brain  may  be  produced  by  a  blow  upon  the  head, 
a  fall,  and  sometimes  by  a  violent  shock  to  the  body.  In  cases  of  violence, 
not  very  severe,  there  will  be  temporary  loss  of  memory,  stupefaction,  ver- 
tigo, ringing  in  the  ears,  etc. 

In  more  severe  cases  the  accident  is  immediately  followed  by  insensibility, 
patient  lies  as  if  in  a  sound  sleep;  there  are  vomiting,  feebleness  and  irregu- 
larity of  pulse,  and  cold  extremities. 

As  the  stupor  and  other  symptoms  gradually  wear  away,  inflammation  of 
the  brain,  of  an  active  character,  frequently  begins  to  develop  itself,  which, 
if  not  speedily  checked  by  appropriate  treatment,  may  terminate  fatally. 

A  severe  fall  or  blow  upon  the  head  may  have  cracked  the  bones  of  the 
skull  intei'nally.  In  some  cases  such  injuries,  if  not  great,  may  be  cured  by 
remedies  wiiich  act  on  the  bones.  In  severe  cases  the  stupefaction  might 
disappear  and  the  patient  apparently  improve,  yet  death  ensue  in  a  few 
days,  hence  it  is  very  important  to  ascertain  whether  there  is  a  fracture. 
Proceed  as  follows :  Tie  one  end  of  a  cord  to  a  silver  spoon  or  fork  or  a 
piece  of  iron,  sometliing  that  will  give  a  clear  sound  when  struck,  let  tlie 
patient  take  the  other  end  of  the  cord  between  his  teeth,  or  fasten  it  to  one 
of  his  teeth,  or  wrap  it  around  the  finger,  which  is  to  be  inserted  into  tlie 
ear  of  the  patient ;  now  strike  the  metal,  which  must  swing  clear,  and  the 
vibrations  will  be  communicated  to  the  bones  and  great  pain  will  be  felt 
at  tlie  i)oint  of  fracture  if  the  bone  is  cracked.  Even  a  stupefied  person 
will  show  it,  if  pain  is  felt,  by  distorting  the  face.  A  physician  will  be  better 
able  to  judge  of  these  symptoms,  and  therefore  they  should  be  communi- 
cated to  him.  If  a  sound  produced  in  the  above  manner  causes  pain  in  the 
head,  Hypericum  in  water  is  sometimes  serviceable ;  at  the  same  time  the 
jjatient  should  be  kept  very  quiet ;  he  will  generally  find  the  best  position 
for  his  head  himself.  If  one  side  is  more  fractured  than  the  other,  let  him 
lie  on  the  less  injured  side;  if  it  is  internal,  keep  his  head  in  an  elevated 
position  and  place  a  small  round  pillow  at  the  najic  of  his  neck.  The 
doors  must  be  closed  gently,  and  everyone  in  the  room  move  with  the 
greatest  precaution. 

For  concussion  of  tlie  brain,  as  well  as  in  all  other  cases  of  shock  from 
external  violence.  Arnica  is  the  principal  remedy. 

A  few  teaspoonfuls  of  coM  water,  immediately  after  the  injury,  will  often 
be  of  great  service  in  reviving  the  patient,  aud  should  always  be  resorted 


124  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

to,  as  water  can  do  no  harm.  The  application  to  the  liead  of  cloths  dipped 
in  cold  water,  and  to  wliich,  in  case  of  external  injury,  a  few  drops  of  Tinci- 
ure  of  Arnica  may  be  added,  will  also  be  of  great  benefit. 

Tlie  diet  should  be  of  the  most  simple  kind ;  and  no  wine,  brandy,  cotTec, 
spices,  nor  stimulants  of  any  kind  made  use  of.  Bleeding  should  not  be  re- 
sorted to,  as  in  many  cases  death  has  ensued  from  large  bleedings,  intended 
to  obviate  inflammation  of  the  brain. 

If  active  inflammation  of  the  brain  should  set  in,  notwithstanding  the  use 
of  the  means  recommended  above,  it  may  be  necessary  to  administer  Aconite, 
Belladonna,  and  other  remedies  recommended  under  that  head,  which  see. 

Concussion  of  other  parts  of  the  body  may  occasion  a  variety  of  unpleas- 
ant effects.  Sonjetlmes  internal  parts  are  distended  or  torn ;  pain  arises, 
which  increases  the  following  day ;  violent  headache,  giddiness,  pains  in  the 
chest,  asthma,  hacking  cough,  spitting  of  blood,  pain  in  the  back,  descending 
pains  in  the  belly,  etc.  In  all  such  cases  Arnica  is  tlie  chief  remedy.  The 
patient  sliould  remain  as  quiet  as  possible ;  drink  plenty  of  cold  water ;  wash 
the  painful  parts  frequently  in  cold  water,  or  with  water  containing  a  few 
drops  of  Arnica  tincture;  neither  eat  nor  drink  anything  stimulating ;  make 
use  of  no  wine,  brandy,  coffee,  tea,  or  spices,  of  but  little  salt,  and  of  nothing 
sour. 

If  the  accident  was  attended  with  sudden  fright,  give  first,  Opium,  and 
some  hours  after,  Arnica.  If  the  patient  faints,  or  is  senseless  and  stunned, 
wash  his  head,  face  and  arms  with  cold  water,  and  give,  if  it  can  be  done 
immediately  after  the  accident,  a  few  drops  of  wine;  but  if  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes  have  elapsed.  Aconite  or  Glonoine,  and  afterwards,  if  necessary. 
Arnica.    Bleeding  is  always  unnecessary,  and  sometimes  injurious. 

When  pregnant  women,  in  consequence  of  a  fall,  slip,  or  other  violent 
concussion,  feel  pains  in  the  abdomen,  a  thing  which  occurs  very  fcequently 
in  the  first  months  of  pregnancy,  and  which  is  often  the  precursor  of  a  mis- 
carriage, give  Ai-nlca,  and  let  the  patient  keep  quiet,  if  possible  in  a  hori- 
zontal posture,  and  avoid,  for  several  days,  every  exertion.  Should  the 
pains,  notwithstanding,  become  very  violent  some  hours  after  Arnica  has 
been  given,  give  Chamomilla  or  one  of  the  other  medicines  recommended 
under  "Miscarriage." 

In  headache  from  concussion  give  Glonoine,  Belladonna  or  Phosplioric 
add,  whichever  may  suit  best  according  to  the  symptoms  enumerated  under 
"Headache."  If  a  dull  pressure,  give  Arnica;  if  very  violent  and  the  eyes 
are  painful,  give  Hypericum. 

Affections  of  the  chest,  caused  by  violent  concussion,  are  removed  by 
Arnica.  Sometimes  Aconite  or  Rhus  is  required.  Look  under  "Cliest," 
Part  II. 

OvERLIFTlNG. — If  lifting  or  carrying  heavy  loads,  or  any  sudden  exer- 
tion of  strength  produces  pain,  give  Rhus. 

When  from  this  cause  very  violent  piercing-  pains  are  I'clt  in  the  small 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  125 

of  tlie  back,  which  become  worse  on  cverv  motion  of  tlie  body,  give  Bryonia. 
If  tliis  does  not  relieve  entirely,  Sulphur. 

If  headache  ensues,  and  Ithus  will  not  remove  it,  give  C'alcarea. 

Stiiaixs. — If  one  has  injured  himself  by  violent  extension  and  then  press- 
ure of  tlie  abdomen,  as  in  climbing  over  a  high  fence,  wrestling,  etc.,  and 
afterwards  feels  suddenly  sick  at  the  stomach,  has  violent  pains  in  a  small 
spot  internally  in  the  abdomen,  or  has  there  a  sensation  as  if  everything 
was  pulling  downwards,  which  makes  hira  anxious  and  restless  witli  a  face 
full  of  agony,  Vcratrum  will  give  relief. 

When  a  person,  who  has  great  tendency  to  such  injuries,  meets  with  tliem 
often,  give  Sepia  each  time. 

JIlSSTEPS  sometimes  cause  pains  in  tlie  limbs  siniilar  to  ovorlifting. 
Tliey  will  generally  be  relieved  liy  Bryonia  or  Rhus;  or,  if  the  stomach  is 
mucli  affected,  by  Bryonia  or  Pulsalilla. 

If  the  injury  occurs  often,  and  is  caused  by  debility,  it  will  be  cured  by 
riiosphorus,  which  should  be  given  whenever  it  returns. 

Bruises. — In  the  treatment  of  bruises,  nothing  is  more  efficacious  than 
tlie  application  to  the  injured  parts  of  cloths  (linen  is  to  be  preferred), 
ilipped  in  cold  water,  and  the  internal  administration  of  Ar7iica. 

In  very  severe  cases,  followed  by  fever,  give  Aconite,  and  some  time  after- 
ward Arnica,  if  it  seems  necessary.  Occasionally  Arnica  may  be  again 
necessary  after  a  few  days. 

A  lotion  of  .^rni'ca  tincture,  made  of  the  root,  in  the  proportion  of  lialf  a 
teiuspoonful  to  a  tumbler  of  water,  may  also  be  used. 

If  a  limb  is  crushed  and  flattened,  or  otherwise  disfigured,  it  should  be 
pressed  by  the  hand  from  time  to  time,  until  it  retumo  to  its  proper  form; 
or  it  may,  if  necessary,  be  straightened  and  kept  in  its  natural  position  by 
means  of  a  piece  of  pasteboard,  wet  witli  hot  water  and  so  softened  that  it 
can  be  moulded  to  the  limb;  or  thick  gutta  percha,  treated  in  tlie  same 
way  so  as  to  render  it  flexible,  and  capable  of  being  adapted  to  tlie  shape  of 
the  limb;  a  bandage  must  be  placed  over  all  to  keep  it  in  place.  Cold 
water,  dieting,  and  the  above  remedies  will  be  the  best  treatment ;  all 
salves  and  lotions,  except  that  o{  Arnica,  are  unnecessary  and  often  injurious. 

Should  suppuration  (formation  of  matter)  ensue,  from  neglect,  bad  man- 
agement, or  impurity  of  the  blood,  Hepar  must  be  given.  If  in  the  accident 
the  bone  was  injured,  or  there  w.os  a  fall  or  blow,  directly  on  a  bone,  for 
instance  on  tlie  shin,  apply  a  cloth  kejjt  moistened  witli  water,  in  which  a 
few  drops  of  Ruta  have  been  put.  Tliis  will  be  particularly  beneficial  wlien 
the  injury  was  very  violent,  and  the  pain  seems  to  be  deep  in  the  bone. 

If  the  pain  is  more  external,  so  that  it  is  only  painful  to  the  touch,  or  the 
wound  assumes  a  red  appearance,  which  extends  and  increases  like  erysipe- 
las, give  Buta  internally  and  apply  a  solution  in  water  externally.     If  the 


126  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

ordinary  Tincture  of  Arnica,  made  from  the  cheap  flowers,  lias  been  used 
externally — the  erysipelatous  appearance  may  arise  from  its  application, 
for  the  flowers  nearly  always  contain  the  eggs,  worms  or  cast-off  skins  of  a 
poisonous  moth— camphor  should  then  be  used  externally  as  the  best 
antidote. 

But  should  the  incipient  signs  of  mortification  present  themselves,  as 
increased  swelling  and  pain,  the  pain  of  a  pungent  burning  kind,  loss  of 
sensibility,  heat  and  color,  and  the  wound  begins  to  change  to  a  darker  hue, 
Cinchona;  and  if  the  skin  assumes  a  dark,  livid  color,  recourse  must  be  had  to 
Lachesis,  which  should  be  given  at  short  intervals,  and  may  prevent  the  loss 
of  life  and  limb.  Amputation  should  be  postponed  as  long  as  possible; 
many  a  limb  has  been  saved  by  the  reluctance  of  the  jiaticnt  to  have  the 
operation  performed. 

Britises  about  the  Eyes  from  blows  with  the  fist,  a  stick,  a  stone,  a 
flying  cork,  etc.,  are  to  be  treated  in  the  manner  indicated  above ;  change 
the  piece  of  wet  linen,  as  soon  as  it  becomes  warm,  for  a  cold  one,  and  band- 
age the  eyes,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  light  from  them.  'Whenever 
the  pain  increases,  give  Arnica  or  Aconite,  according  to  the  symptoms. 

Bumps  on  the  heads  of  children  should  not  be  pressed  with  a  knife ;  but 
treated  with  applications  of  cold  water,  or  water  with  a  few  drops  of  Arnica 
tincture  in  it,  and  the  internal  administration  of  Arnica.  If  bad  symptoms 
occur  later,  if  the  child  has  dizziness  after  shaking  the  head,  or  pains  and 
dilated  pupils ;  if  it  bores  the  head  into  the  pillow,  and  has  fever  and  con- 
vt'.lsions,  water  on  the  brain  (hydrocephalus)  is  to  be  feared,  BcllaJunna 
or  Uyoscyamus  should  be  given. 

Consult  also  "Concussion." — In  cases  of  this  kind,  however,  as  in  aU 
serious  cases,  it  is  better  to  consult  a  homoeopathic  i)hysician. 

Speains. — A  limb  is  sprained  when,  after  a  fall  or  other  violence,  it 
pains  severely,  cannot  be  moved  without  pain,  swells  and  turns  rod. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  treatment  of  these  troublesome  injuries, 
apply  cold  water  freely. 

Arnica  should  be  taken  internally.  After  the  removal  of  the  more  acute 
symptoms,  it  may  be  necessary  to  resort  to  the  use  of  Rhus,  Bryonia  or 
Sulphur,  to  aid  in  removing  the  stiffness  and  soreness  which  may  remain. 
Gentle  motions  of  the  limb  will  also  be  beneficial. 

If  it  turns  blue :  A  mica. 

If  a  yellowish-blue  spot  becomes  soft,  give  Symphytum. 

If  the  swelling  remains  very  long  with  more  or  less  pain,  use  apjilications 
of  warm  vinegar.  If  the  swelling  about  the  joint  is  so  soft,  as  to  leave  a  pit 
when  pressed  by  the  finger,  Scimbucus  will  give  relief;  or  else  compresses 
of  the  moistened  elder  blossoms. 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  i'lj 

Dislocations,  Luxations. — TIic  removal  of  the  head  of  a  bone  fiom  its 
corresponding  articuhir  cavity  is  termed  a  dislocation  or  luxaiinn. 

It  is  characterized  hy  violent  pain,  loss  of  motion,  swi'^'iiL.  :.]..  ,',  i  in 
tlie  shape,  length  and  direction  of  the  limb.  An  unjial  '..'  '  ;  :.  n  cr 
prominence  ran  generally  be  felt  in  the  vicinity  of  th.-  i  ,i  i^  '.  i  ]..  ;  mul 
there  will  be  also  a  peculiar  rigidity  of  t'.ic  limb,  and  fc\.  ; .  T.y  ,  i-mjiaring 
the  injured  with  the  sound  limb,  the  deformity  will  at  (mrv  be  aiiparcnl. 

Tlie  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  give  Arnica;  or,  if  tlicre  i-;  alrcaily  ruJiicss 
and  inflammation,  Aconitum,  and  to  apply  cold  water.  Ey  these  means 
some  relief  may  be  obtained  until  a  surgeon  can  be  called,  whicli  should  be 
done  at  once. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  do  anything  more  after  the  dislocation  lias  licen 
reduced :  all  poultices,  salves,  bleeding,  etc.,  are  injurious.  A  proper  baud- 
age  must  be  applied,  and  as  soon  as  the  inflammation  abates,  which,  after 
taking  Arnica  and  jierhaps  Aconite,  will  soon  take  place,  the  limb  should  be 
moved  often,  but  carefully,  lest  it  grow  stiff. 

Fractures. — The  most  cert.ain  sign  of  fracture  is  c-ix,  liai!,  ,i.  a  p  .  uliar 
grating  noise  or  sensation,  produced  by  the  rubbing  tii,L;i;li>  i  ^  i  i\\'>  I  kiUlu 
surfaces  of  bone.  When  on  moving  an  injured  limb,  vwu  (an  ]irii  xlvc  this 
sensation,  it  is  a  pretty  sure  indication  that  it  Is  fractured.  In  aJJitiun  to 
this,  there  is  usually  increased  mobility,  which  Is  the  reverse  of  the  peculiar 
rij;idity  of  a  limb  in  case  of  dislocation,  some  deformity,  pain,  swelling, 
inability  to  move  or  use  the  limb,  and  sometimes  It  Is  shortened. 

In  all  cases  of  suspected  fi-acture,  send  for  a  surgeon,  and  for  a  skillful  one 
too,  and  not  for  "the  first  best;"  for  mistakes  committed  under  these  cir- 
e.imstances  can  hardly  ever  be  remedied.  "When  children  are  the  sufTerers, 
more  despatch  is  required.  But  in  ordinary  cases,  a  day  or  two  may  elapse 
without  incurring  any  rislc,  for  a  broken  bone  does  not  unite  so  very  readily. 
Before  the  arrival  of  the  surgeon,  tlie  broken  ];mb  should  be  moved  as  lif.Ie 
as  possible;  on  tlie  jjainful  part  put  linen  bandages  dipped  frequently  into 
cold  water,  or  diluted  Arnica  tincture  if  the  soft  tissues  have  been  bruised ; 
internally  give  Aconite,  if  the  patient  is  very  weak  or  faint,  and  some  hours 
after,  Arnica.  Only  when  the  pains  are  insufferable,  and  occasion  convul- 
sions, give  ChamomiUa,  then  Hypericum.  In  very  rare  cases  only,  wlicn 
the  pains  are  excruciating,  and  otlier  bad  symjitoms  apjicar,  stretching  of 
the  limbs  will  afford  any  relief.  To  do  this  wrap  towels  firmly  above  and 
below  the  part  of  the  fracture;  then  fiusten  to  them  long  pieces  of  cloth  and 
t'.e  one  of  these,  say  the  upper,  to  the  head-board  of  the  bed ;  then  pull 
slowly  on  the  lower,  and  when  extension  enough  to  relieve  the  pain  h-is 
been  gained,  fasten  this  piece  to  tV  ?  lower  bed-post  or  foot-board,  and  so 
retain  the  limb  in  a  painless  position  till  the  surgeon  comes.  After  the 
bone  has  been  set,  give  Symphytum. 

Slinuld  the  bone  not  unite  readily,  but  remain  loose — a.s  sometimes  happens 
with  aged  jiersons — give  Calcarca  phospkorica,  or  if  not  to  be  had,  mix  a 


128  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

small  portion  of  diluted  phosphoric  acid  with  lime-water,  dry  the  sediment 
which  will  be  formed  in  this  mixture,  and  give  the  patient  as  much  of  it  as 
will  lie  on  the  end  of  a  penknife,  once  a  day.  If  the  bones  of  young  people 
will  not  heal,  give  good,  strong  broth,  or  meat-extract,  which  will  be 
mentioned  hereafter,  under  "Apparent  Death  from  Hunger." 


WOUNDS. 

We  ought  first  to  know  what  wounds  will  heal  of  themselves  and  when 
treatment  is  necessary;  we  ought  also  to  know  how  tlie  cure  can  be  accele- 
rated, and  what  must  be  done  in  dangerous  cases  until  a  surgecm  can  be 
lirocured. 

All  wounds  which  are  not  mortal  heal  of  themselves,  without  any  medi- 
cine," unguents,  plasters  or  salves.  External  applications  are  almost  always 
injurious,  and  all  rational  practitioners  have  long  ago  discontinued  the  use 
of  them.  Nothing  more  is  necessary  than  to  apply  a  proper  bandage,  and 
to  wet  it  from  time  to  time  with  cold  water.  If  requisite,  some  medicine 
should  be  given  internally,  and  attention  be  paid  to  the  diet. 

a)  Dressing  of  the  Wound. — The  most  important  thing  in  the  healing  of  a 
wound  is  to  bring  the  sides  in  close  contact  and  exclude  the  air.  Small, 
superficial  woimds  may  be  closed  by  pressing  the  sides  together,  and  tying 
a  bandage  around  the  limb  to  keep  tliem  in  that  position.  Common,  small 
cuts  on  the  fingers  are  often  troublesome  for  a  considerable  time,  as  they 
prevent  us  from  using  the  hand  ;  but  they  will  heal  quickly  with  a  healthy 
person,  if  sewed  together,  or  drawn  together  by  means  of  adhesive  plaster 
or  common  court-plaster. 

When  the  wounds  are  longer,  penetrating  through  the  skin  into  the  flesh, 
a  superficial  suture  will  not  suffice,  but  you  must  nse  adhesive  plaster, 
the  ordinary  sticking  plaster  of  the  shops.  Cut  this  into  strips,  a  few  Inches 
long,  narrower  in  the  middle  than  at  the  ends.  Warm  them  with  your 
lireath,  or  by  wrapping  them  around  a  bottle  filled  with  hot  water,  or  around 
your  arm,  the  side  on  which  the  plaster  is,  of  course,  turned  out,  till  the 
jilaster  becomes  soft.  The  narrow  part  must  be  placed  on  the  wound.  In 
applying  them  press  the  wound  well  together,  and  draw  the  strips  tiglitly 
over  it ;  they  should  be  long  enough  to  extend  several  inches  beyond  the 
woimd  on  each  side,  otherwise  they  will  not  stick  well.  The  hairs  ought 
also  to  be  shaved  off  from  about  the  wound,  and  all  moisture  carefully  wiped 
away.  Open  spaces  ought  to  be  left  between  the  strips,  particularly  where 
the  wound  is  deepest,  that,  in  case  of  suppuration,  the  matter  may  be 
allowed  to  escape  and  prevent  the  formation  of  abscesses. 

In  dressing  the  wound  the  limb  should  be  put  in  such  a  position  that  the 
wound  will  not  gape,  and  should  be  kept  in  that  position  as  much  as  pos- 
tible. 

Deep  lacerated  woimds,  or  long  cuts  in  the  face,  lips,  eyelids,  neck,  etc., 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  129 

have  sometimes  to  be  unitcii  by  deeper  sutures,  which  a  surgeon  alone  can 
do  properly. 

Considerable  stabs,  or  other  narrow  and  deep  wounds,  must  not  be  closed 
in  this  manner,  as  they  wouUl  heal  on  the  surface,  and  suppurate  at  the  bot- 
tom. But  if  they  are  so  situated  tliat  they  can  be  compressed  at  the  bottom, 
as  well  as  at  the  orifice,  it  may  be  done  until  the  surgeon  arrives,  who  in  all 
sucli  cases  should  be  consulted. 

Besides  being  sewed  or  dressed  with  adhesive  plaster,  every  wound  ouglit 
to  be  so  bandaged,  tliat  it  may  be  tlie  more  firmly  united,  and  that  the  air 
may  be  prevented  from  entering  it ;  at  the  same  time  the  limb  ought  not  to 
be  more  compressed  and  laced  than  is  necessary. 

The  simpler  the  adhesive  plaster  is,  the  better  the  wound  will  heal; 
court  plaster  disagrees  with  many,  as  balsams  are  added,  which  in  some 
ciises  inflame  the  wound.     Anyone  can  prepare  it. 

Isinglass  is  beaten  and  soaked  in  water  until  it  is  soft,  then  boiled  with 
alcohol  in  a  glass  which  is  placed  in  boiling  water  until  entirely  dissolved ; 
then  it  is  spread  on  very  fine  linen  or  silk  which  has  been  tacked  on  a  board. 
Wlien  dry  cut  it  any  desirable  size.  Plaster  is  also  made  witli  Arnica,  Cal- 
endula, Hijperkum,  Rata  and  other  healing  herbs ;  but  these  can  only  be 
used  when  the  remedy  is  distinctly  indicated  in  the  case. 

The  bruising  of  the  skin,  especially  on  tlie  knuckles,  ends  of  the  fingers 
and  on  the  shinbone,  sometimes  causes  a  bad  sore,  and  often  becomes  trouble- 
some in  children.  The  best  application  for  such  sores  is  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  a  raw  egg.  The  best  mode  of  obtaining  this  is  to  break  the  egg 
carefully  and  peel  off  the  skin  with  wliicli  the  shell  is  lined,  in  strips  as 
broad  as  you  can  make  them  ;  put  these  with  the  side  wliich  was  next  to 
the  sliell  on  the  wound  until  it  is  entirely  covered. 

Another  good  application  is  collodium,  (a  solution  of  gun-cotton  in  ether) 
it  is  sold  in  all  drug  stores.  It  is  to  be  spread  over  the  wound  wjth  a  soft 
brush,  the  ether  evaporates,  and  leaves  a  thin,  transparent  skin,  which  is 
not  removed  by  water.  The  brush  must  be  kept  in  ether,  or  it  will  become 
hard  and  stiff. 

b)  Hemorrhage  caused  by  Wounds. — Wounds  which  have  been  closed  and 
dressed  in  the  aforesaid  manner,  generally  cease  to  bleed.  Sometimes,  how- 
ever, it  is  nece-ssary  to  place  a  compress  of  linen  upon  the  wound,  and  to 
keep  it  there  with  bandages.  Cold  water  applied  immediately  and  often 
renewed,  will  frequently  stop  the  bleeding,  yet  there  are  cases  where  it  does 
not  suflice. 

Wlien  the  blood  is  gushing  out  of  the  wound,  when  the  wound  is  on  the 
neck,  the  superior  and  interior  part  of  the  thigh  or  arms,  the  whole  limb 
or  side  of  the  neck  should  be  compre.ssed  till  the  bleeding  ceases,  and  a  sur- 
geon procured  immediately. 

The  hemorrhage  is  still  more  dangerous  when  bright  red  blood  flows  from 
the  wound,  and  tlie  blood  spurts  at  intervals  as  the  pulse  beats.  Hasten, 
in  such  a  case,  to  obtain  the  assistance  of  an  experienced  surgeon ;  but  as 
9 


130  ,      EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

every  delay  is  dangerous,  tie  a  cloth  very  tightly  around  the  limb  above 
the  wound,  in  the  direction  of  the  heart;  this  will  stop  the  bleeding,  but 
the  pressure  will  be  painful,  so  one  can  now  more  leisurely  feel  for  the 
artery  above  this  bandage  on  the  interior  part  of  the  limb,  which  will  be 
known  by  its  beating;  place  lengthways  on  this  spot  a  medium  sized  cork, 
press  it  well  home,  and  put  over  it  a  compress  two  or  three  inches  square, 
and  as  thick  as  a  finger,  and  over  this  a  bandage,  which  firmly  tighten,  and 
loosen  the  other  somewhat ;  if  no  bleeding  follows,  the  first  bandage  may 
be  taken  ofl';  if  bleeding  does  follow,  tighten  this  last  bandage  till  the 
blood  ceases  flowing;  or  if  necessary  re-apply  the  former  bandage. 

If  the  blood  does  not  come  in  jets  with  every  beat  of  the  heart,  but  runs 
in  a  steady  stream  and  not  very  profusely,  or  if  the  wound  is  so  situated 
that  the  entire  part  cannot  be  encircled  with  a  bandage,  a  compress  may  be 
put  directly  over  the  wound  and  a  bandage  be  firmly  applied. 

People  are  apt  to  have  recourse  to  very  improper  and  injurious  means  to 
stop  bleeding;  in  their  fright  they  tie  one  cloth  over  the  other,  until  they 
exhaust  their  whole  stock  of  rags  and  handkerchiefs.  But  that  cannot  stop 
the  bleeding — it  merely  conceals  it  for  a  few  moments.  When  the  first  firm 
bandage  does  not  stop  it,  the  rest  are  useless  and  pernicious,  as  they  prevent 
the  cold  water  from  penetrating,  and  conceal  the  danger. 

Some  persons  put  upon  wounds  which  bleed  profusely  a  mass  of  the  most 
heterogeneous  things  imaginable:  vinegar,  cobwebs,  balsam,  brandy,  punk, 
lead-water,  the  white  of  eggs  and  sweet  oil,  charcoal,  glue,  alum,  soot, 
lemon-juice,  shoemaker's  wax,  gum  arable,  tar,  urine,  tan,  oak  leaves,  salves, 
unguents,  and  other  trash,  to  stop  the  effusion  of  blood;  all  these  things 
render  the  healing  of  the  wound  more  difficult,  as  they  soil  the  surface,  and 
as  every  foreign  thing  entering  into  a  wound  has  again  to  be  exjielled  by 
suppuration. 

When  a  proper  bandage,  the  application  of  cold  water  and  of  ice,  a  quiet 
and  easy  position  of  the  patient,  does  not  stop  the  bleeding,  hasten  for  a 
surgeon,  and  until  he  comes  proceed  as  follows : 

Give  the  patient  a  little  salt,  and  if  that  does  not  help  him,  give  some  vine- 
gar and  water.     Do  not  give  him  much  drink,  particularly  nothing  warm. 

Let  the  wounded  part  be  elevated,  and  see  that  there  is  no  more  pressure 
on  any  part  of  the  body  than  can  be  avoided.  Should  the  patient  faint, 
leave  him  at  rest,  and  do  not  annoy  him  with  smelling  bottles.  Fainting 
is  always  beneficial,  for  in  this  state  the  blood  flows  less  rapidly,, and  is 
more  apt  to  congeal  in  the  wound,  especially  when  aided  by  applications  of 
cold  water.  If  the  patient  turns  quite  pale,  and  becomes  blue  in  the  face, 
or  has  jerking  of  the  limbs,  however,  there  is  danger,  and  Cinchona  should 
be  given  immediately.  After  this,  if  worse  again,  give  him  a  little  good 
old  wine,  and  after  that,  if  necessary,  repeat  the  Cinchona. 

The  same  remedies  ought  to  be  given  after  much  loss  of  blood ;  but  when 
the  bleeding  has  ceased,  the  patient  may  drink  small  quantities  of  cold 
water  as  often  as  he  asks  for  it. 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  131 

To  stop  tlie  bleeding,  when  the  fii-st  bandage  and  tlie  application  of  cold, 
wet  rags  does  not  do  it,  give  Arnica;  if  this  fails,  Ipeeacuanlia.  Tlie  black 
glutinous  drops  which  hang  in  chimneys  where  wood  is  burnt,  will  answer, 
if  nothing  better  can  be  got.  Take  a  portion  of  this  as  large  as  a  pea,  dis- 
solve it  in  a  tablesiwonful  of  brandv,  until  the  latter  turns  brown — mix  this 
with  half  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  drop  it  into  the  wound.  If  Kreosote  can 
be  had,  it  is  to  be  preferred :  one  drop  of  it  in  a  teaspoonful  of  water  is  fully 
strong  enough.  The  persulphate  of  iron,  known  commonly  as  Monsel's 
Salt,  is  the  most  powerful  styptic  and  may  be  put  into  the  wound  as  a  dry 
powder,  or  else  mixed  with  a  little  water,  and  a  cloth  saturated  with  it 
applied  to  the  bleeding  parts. 

The  bites  of  leeches  sometimes  bleed  too  much ;  children  have  thus  bled  to 
death  in  the  night,  when  proper  attention  was  not  paid  to  them.  The  wisest 
plan  is  to  use  no  leeclies  at  all;  but  those  who  have  no  knowledge  of  better 
remedies,  must  be  expected  to  have  recourse  to  improper  ones.  These 
wounds  can  be  closed  by  putting  in  a  couple  of  stitches,  in  the  way  before 
explained — they  give  no  pain  whatever.  With  children  who  dread  this, 
tlie  bleeding  may  be  stopped  by  pressing  the  finger  upon  the  wound  for  a 
considerable  time,  and  applying  some  shoemaker's  wax.  During  the  night 
particular  attention  should,  notwithstanding,  be  paid  lest  the  bleeding  re- 
commence. After  a  vein  has  been  oiiened  the  same  precaution  is  necessary. 
The  patient  ought  to  rest  undisturbed,  and  some  one  should  be  in  attendance 
to  see  that  the  vein  does  not  bleed  again. 

c)  Cleansing  of  the  Woujid. — However  well  a  wound  may  have  been  band- 
aged, it  will  not  heal  if  it  has  not  been  properly  cleansed ;  therefore,  before 
dressing  the  wound,  free  it  from  everything  extraneous.  If  the  wound  is 
fuU  of  dirt  or  sand,  or  if  there  are  siilinters  in  it,  small  pieces  of  glass,  fish- 
l)ones,  shot  or  rags,  or  if  the  iron  which  made  it  was  rusty,  it  will  not  heal 
so  eiisily.  All  foreign  substances  should,  if  possible,  be  removed  by  the 
forceps  and  by  washing  well  with  water.  If  you  find  it  impossible  to  cleanse 
the  wound  thoroughly,  dress  it  but  lightly,  not  pressing  it  much,  and  renew 
the  dressing  frequently.  Wounds  of  this  kind,  particularly  when  splinters 
remain  in  them,  should  always  be  dressed  by  a  surgeon. 

When  a  person  has  run  a  nail,  fish-bone,  splinters  or  gla.ss  into  his  foot, 
they  cannot  always  be  removed  entirely;  surgeons  cut  often  in  every  direc- 
tion, but  in  vain.  Into  such  a  wound  drop  at  once  a  little  vulnerary  balsam; 
balsam  of  Peru  is  best;  but  if  you  have  none,  use  Canada  or  any  other;  put 
over  this  a  compress  of  linen,  and  tie  it  to  the  sole  of  the  foot.  Kenew 
the  application  of  the  balsam  every  day  until  the  wound  ha.s  healed  from 
within.  At  the  same  time  the  wounded  person  should  walk  occasionally, 
even  though  painful  to  him  ;  the  motion  will  assist  in  cleansing  the  wound. 
If  there  is  mucli  inflammation,  apply  cold  water  extfernally,  and  internally 
the  remedies  prescribed  below,  particularly  Hypericum,  and  the  wound  may 
be  dressed  with  Oil  of  Hypericum,  known  as  red  oil. 

If  after  a  wound  in  the  sole  of  the  foot  has  healed,  violent  pain  is  expe- 


132  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

rienced  when  walking,  we  may  infer  tliat  there  is  still  some  foreign  stib- 
stance  in  the  foot.  Fasten  to  the  sole  of  the  foot  a  i-ork  sole,  a  thick  piece 
of  pasteboard,  or  a  thin  board,  with  a  hole  cut  in  it  just  where  it  touches  the 
sore  part,  and  let  the  patient  walk  on  it  frequently;  at  the  same  time  give 
Silkea,  and  if  no  better  after  a  week,  Hepar,  and  after  waiting  seven  days, 
Siikea  again.  The  extraneous  matter  will  generally  soon  be  brought  out. 
Plantain  seeds  crushed  and  applied  externally,  are  said  to  have  the  same 
effect.  If  you  can  feel  any  thing  plainly  under  the  skin,  let  an  incision  be 
made  to  take  it  out,  or  let  the  skin  be  scraped  very  thin  with  a  sharp  knife. 

d)  Subsequent  Treatment  and  Diet. — Besides  stopping  the  hemorrhage,  and 
cleansing  and  dressing  the  wound,  its  subsequent  treatment,  as  well  as  the 
diet  of  the  patient,  is  a  matter  of  importance.  When  the  wound  is  large, 
the  patient  should  keep  as  quiet  as  possible;  he  should  neither  exert  his 
mind  nor  his  body  too  much;  he  should  drink  plenty  of  cold  water,  and 
avoid  every  thing  stimulating— much  salt,  spices,  smoked  food,  etc. 

If  the  dressing  was  necessarily  put  on  very  tight,  loosen  it  somewhat  if  it 
becomes  troublesome,  the  next  day.  If  not  too  tight,  leave  it  undisturbed 
for  two  or  three  days,  if  the  wound  does  not  suppurate,  and  always  remove 
it  gradually. 

In  removing  a  piece  of  sticking  plaster,  always  begin  at  both  ends  and 
proceed  to  the  centre;  begin  to  remove  the  strips,  at  one  end  of  the  wound, 
re; ■late  tlie  strip  removed  immediately  by  another,  and  continue  in  that 
manner  till  finished,  in  order  that  it  may  not  open  again  or  be  dragged 
asunder.  If  possible,  leave  the  dressing  until  the  wound  is  healed;  in  sum- 
mer, however,  and  when  wounds  suppurate  freely,  the  dressing  should  be 
changed  frequently.  The  threads  in  the  sutures  are  to  remain  until  they 
drop  off. 

Cold  water  is  not  only  serviceable  in  stopping  the  bleeding  and  cleansing 
the  wound,  but  also  in  healing  it  afterwards.  Put  on  a  compress  of  linen, 
and  dip  it  frequently  in  cold  water — p-irticularly  when  there  is  swelling, 
redness  and  pain.  Or  take  lint,  dip  it  in  water,  and  cover  the  wound  with 
it;  put  over  this  some  oiled  silk  or  gutta-percha  tissue,  or  where  these  can 
not  be  obtained,  paper  that  has  been  saturated  with  warm  wax,  or  thick 
oiled  paper  may  be  used,  and  tie  a  cloth  over  it  to  keep  the  adjacent  parts 
dry.  As  the  heat  abates  and  tlie  wound  heals,  renew  it  less  frequently,  and 
when  the  heat  is  gone,  discontinue  it  altogether. 

All  wounds  which  suppurate  badly,  are  to  lie  treated  as  ulcers — of  which 
more  will  be  said  hereafter.  Wounds  of  this  kind  must  not  be  treated  with 
cold,  but  with  warm  water  dressings;  20  or  30  drops  of  tincture  of  Calendula 
put  into  half  a  cup  of  water,  and  the  lint  soaked  with  this  solution,  is  best. 

All  lacerated  wounds,  and  others  which  cannot  be  accurately  united, 
must  be  drawn  together  and  treated  with  cold  water,  unless  they  suppurate. 

To  all  wounds  over  a  bone,  on  the  liead,  the  breast-bone,  the  elbow,  finger- 
joints  or  the  knee,  the  shin-bone,  the  ankle,  apply  nothing  but  cold  water 
without  any  tight  baudage — unless  in  the  beginning,  to  stop  the  bleeding, 


EXTERNAL   INJURIES.  133 

yon  may  make  use  of  pressure;  afterwards  merely  tie  something  over  tlie 
wound  to  keep  out  the  air,  particles  of  dust,  etc.  All  otlier  applications  are 
injurious,  as  they  produce  ulcers,  whicli  may  sometimes  eat  into  the  bone. 
The  remedies  recommended  for  fractures,  may,  likewise,  be  applied  exter- 
nally in  a  diluted  state. 

e)  Remedies, — By  selecting  in  every  case  the  suitable  remedies,  the  cure 
will  be  considerably  accelerated.  As  soon  as  the  patient  is  at  rest,  give  him 
one  of  tlie  remedies  prescribed  for  wounds.  If,  after  such  a  medicine,  the 
fever  increases  and  is  attended  with  dryness  of  the  skin  and  great  restless- 
ness, give  Aconite;  but  if  the  restlessness  is  accompanied  by  great  excite- 
ment, Coffea;  should  the  patient  have  lost  much  blood,  give  Cinchona;  but 
if  no  great  improvement  takes  place  within  six,  eight  or  twelve  hours, 
administer  one  of  tlie  following  remedies : 

Apis,  if  punctured  wounds  become  red,  very  sensitive  to  the  touch;  par- 
ticularly if  the  pain  is  burning,  piercing,  continuous,  and  if  the  redness 
spreads  like  erysipela-s.  If  tlie  redness  runs  down  the  inside  of  the  arms  or 
legs  in  interrupted  stripes,  Ehus  is  better,  and  afterwards  Arsenicum. 

Arnica,  if  the  injury  has  more  the  nature  of  a  bruise  than  of  an  open 
wound,  if  the  parts  affected  are  brown  and  blue,  or  become  so;  if  the  wound 
can  be  well  united ;  if  it  was  merely  in  the  skin  (remembering  that  the  skin 
in  some  places  is  very  thick). 

Calendula,  if  the  wound  is  lacerated,  if  it  is  a  deep  gash,  whose  sides  can 
be  but  imperfectly  united ;  if  moving  causes  pain,  even  after  the  wound  is 
dressed;  if  the  skin  or  flesh  has  come  off"  in  pieces;  if  the  wound  looks  torn 
and  jagged;  it  answers  for  the  worst  kind  of  pains  when  Hypericum  is 
ineffectual. 

Staphisagria,  if  the  wounds  are  clean,  deep  cuts  in  the  flesh  made  by  a 
sharp  knife,  or  glass,  or  consequent  upon  surgical  operations. 

Hypericum  is  suitable  for  all  wounds  either  from  a  thrust,  a  cut,  bruise  or 
tearing  asunder;  if  tlie  pain  is  unusually  violent  and  particularly  if  it  lasts 
long  and  is  similar  to  a  violent  toothache,  extending  far  around  the  wound 
and  up  through  the  limli.  The  same  is  indicated  when  cliildren  have 
spa.snis  after  every  slight  injury. 

If  bones  have  been  injured  at  the  same  time,  do  not  forget  tlie  remedies 
recommended  before. 

In  these  aises.  Arnica,  Calendula  and  Staphisagria  should  be  administered 
externally  in  the  following  way: — Take  a  few  drops  of  the  tincture,  dilute 
it  in  ten  times  tlie  quantity  of  water,  and  with  tliis  moisten  small  pieces  of 
rags  and  place  them  on  the  wound. 

To  persons  who  have  a  morbid  skin,  which  is  irritated  by  the  slightest 
injury  and  suppurates,  give  Chamomilla;  and  sliould  it  do  no  good,  Hepar. 
Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  give  Silicea. 

/)  Lock-jaw. — When  convulsive  symptoms  apjiear  after  an  injury,  and 
lock-jaw  is  to  be  apprehended,  it  is  always  best  to  send  at  once  for  a  jiliysi- 
cian.     But,  if  in  this  emergency  none  can  be  obtained,  endeavor  to  render 


134  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

assistance  as  you  may  be  able.  If  a  patient  who  has  been  wounded,  com- 
plains of  pains  in  the  bowels,  without  any  other  cause,  lock-jaw  is  to  be 
feared.  Staphisagria  or  Colocynthis,  given  according  to  the  symptoms,  may 
prevent  it.  If  the  patient  complains  of  much  pain  in  tlie  neck,  or  of  ex- 
cessive stiflhess  in  the  neck  and  back,  especially  if  this  is  preceded  by  a 
good  deal  of  stretching  of  all  the  limbs ;  if  he  complains  of  cramp,  or  pain 
resembling  cramp,  in  the  joints  of  the  jaw  or  in  the  cheeks  near  the  ears; 
if  he  feels  a  constant  inclination  to  yawn,  and  yet  is  unable  to  open  his  mouUi 
sufficiently;  if  he  is  fretful,  irritable,  and  difficult  to  please,  give  Irjnatia 
until  tliere  is  improvement.  But  if,  after  several  doses  have  been  taken, 
he  grows  worse,  if  lock-jaw  takes  place,  if  his  back  is  stiff  and  rigid, 
give  Memirius;  if  this  fails,  Belladonna,  especially  if  his  face  is  red ;  Acoiiile 
if  it  grows  pale  and  red  alternately.  In  some  cases,  where  the  sufferer 
becomes  very  cold,  Bryonia  or  Veratrum  may  be  effectual;  if  warmth 
makes  him  worse,  Secede.  A  person,  not  a  medical  man,  will  hardly  be 
able  to  select  the  proper  remedy  among  all  those  indicated.  It/na(ia  is  the 
principal  remedy,  and  must  be  repeated  every  few  hours,  if  the  patient  grows 
worse  whenever  he  is  touched  or  handled  ;  if  touching  causes  first  more  pain, 
and  then  makes  the  patient  worse.  Cinchona;  if  a  nerve  has  been  injured,  or 
if  the  trouble  has  come  after  a  severe  fall  on  the  back,  Hypericum;  if  there 
first  appears  a  redness  around  the  wound,  resembling  erysipelas,  Ruta,  Rhus, 
Hyoscyamus,  Stramonium,  Camphor,  or  other  medicines,  may  sometimes  be 
the  remedies.  In  general,  it  may  be  said  that  the  choice  of  the  proper  medi- 
cine often  depends  on  the  most  minute  circumstances. 

(/)  Bleeding  of  the  Cams. — Frequently  the  gums  bleed  considerably  after 
the  extraction  of  a  tooth.  The  application  of  vinegar  in  such  cases  is  always 
injurious;  endeavor  to  staunch  the  blood  with  cold  water. 

Instead  of  the  always  injurious  styptics  and  the  barbarous  re*l-liot  iron. 
Dr.  Cartwright  has  recommended  the  following  excellent  plan : — "Insert  a 
pledget  of  raw  cotton,  without  force,  into  the  cavity ;  ajiply  a  common  tour- 
niquet over  the  head,  place  tlie  pad  on  the  side  of  the  cheek  over  the  bleed- 
ing gum,  the  screw  over  the  pad,  and  a  few  turns  of  the  screw,  without  giv- 
jingpain  are  sufficient."  Tlie  rationale  is:  what  was  caused  by  the  lacer- 
ating pressure  from  within  out,  must  be  overcome  by  a  gentle,  opposite 
pressure  from  without  in.  The  ingenious  inventor  therefore  says:  "The 
true  indication  is,  to  contract  the  cavity  by  compressing  with  the  fingers  on 
every  side  of  it,  introducing  previously  a  loose  pledget  of  cotton  or  lint,  for 
the  sides  of  the  cavity  to  contract  upon ;  and  in  severe  cases  to  resort  to  the 
tourniquet  to  make  the  lateral  pressure." 

If  there  is  much  pain  and  swelling,  give  Arnica;  if  lever.  Aconite,  If, 
in  con.sequence  of  having  taken  cold,  these  medicines  do  not  aflbrd  any  relief, 
give  Rhus  or  Bryonia.  For  throbbing  pain  in  tlie  bone,  whicli  is  so  violent 
that  it  can  hardly  be  borne,  sometimes  attended  with  fever,  Hyoscyamus  will 
be  beneficial.  If  the  jaw  swells,  and  a  tedious  suppuration  follows,  take 
Silicea. 


EXTERNAL    INJURIES.  135 

h)  Large  Woundg  on  the  Head. — When  tlie  bones  of  the  head  have  been  in- 
jureil,  <ir  deep  wounds  have  been  received  in  the  face,  neck  or  chest,  stabs 
in  the  abdomen,  and  all  wounds  wlicre  tlie  joints  have  been  crusiied,  or 
in  wliich  they  have  been  penetnited,  nuist  absolutely  be  treated  by  a  surgeon. 
We  will,  however,  mention  here,  in  a  few  words,  the  course  to  be  pursued 
in  case  a  surgeon  is  not  at  hand. 

When  a  limb  has  been  partially  crushed,  it  may  sometimes  be  preserved 
by  cold  applications,  and  by  giving  internally  Arnica,  and  Aconite  occa- 
sionally, if  there  is  fever;  this  preservation  is  possible  even  when  mortifi- 
cation lias  already  taken  place,  by  giving  first  Cincliona,  and  afterwards,  when 
the  skin  begins  to  turn  black,  Lacltesis.  The  surgeon  alone  can,  however, 
judge  what  is  best  to  be  done,  and  we  only  j^ropose  this  treatment,  when  the 
patient  refuses  to  submit  to  amputation,  when  no  surgeon  who  can  perform 
the  operation  is  to  be  procured,  or  when  it  is  too  late  to  undertake  it. 

i)  Large  Wounds  in  the  Abdomen. — These  wounds  are  often  not  so  desperate 
as  they  appear  to  be;  even  if  the  bowels  protrude  and  the  whole  belly  is  torn 
open,  do  not  give  up  the  patient.  Becovery  sometimes  takes  place  contrary 
to  all  exjiectation,  from  wounds  apparently  fatal.  Replace  the  entrails  as 
soon  as  possible,  but  not  without  having  first  cleansed  them  of  sand  and  dirt, 
or  of  whatever  else  may  be  adhering  to  them.  Tliis  ought  to  be  done  with 
luke-warm  water,  by  merely  rinsing  and  without  rubbing.  Be  careful  that 
no  water  enters  the  abdomen.  Do  not  lay  hold  of  the  entrails  with  your 
hands,  but  with  a  soft,  clean,  linen  cloth.  Let  the  patient  neither  smell  nor 
take  any  spirits  or  anj'thing  strong. 

If  tlie  patient  is  quite  dull  or  stunned,  give  him  Opium;  if  greatly  ex- 
cited, Coffea;  it  he  has  convulsions,  Jgnatia;  if  he  turns  pale,  if  the  nose 
becomes  jiointed  and  the  limbs  cold,  give  Cinclu)na;  but  as  soon  as  the  first 
alarm  is  over,  give,  in  all  cases.  Arnica  or  Calendula.  When  no  surgeon 
can  be  procured,  sew  up  the  wound  with  a  silk  thread,  and  dress  it,  to  pre- 
vent the  air  from  penetrating,  in  the  manner  above  desciil  nil,  witlinut  giving 
anything  further.  If  violent  colic  ensues,  which  is  also  sdiiietiim's  iho  case 
aftersurgical  ojterations,  give  Colocynthix ;  afterwards,  if  wnrsi-,  Sliiiiln:<(i(jria. 
IS,  after  some  days,  very  bad  symjitoms  appear,  give  Lachesis  or  Phosphorus. 


BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

For  a  superficial  burn  or  scald,  the  best  remedy  is  to  hold  the  part  to  the 
fire,  and  the  worst  to  put  it  into  cold  water,  or  to  apply  to  it  other  cooling 
things,  such  as  potatoes,  carrots,  turnips,  etc.  It  is  well  known  that  after 
the  latter  blisters  and  ulcers  will  always  follow.  Tlie  former,  on  the  con- 
trary, draws  out  the  heat,  that  is  to  say,  the  effects  of  the  burn  disappear  by 
the  application  of  moderate  heat.  The  application  of  dry  heat,  however,  is 
not,  at  all  limes,  practicable ;  jiarticularly  when  the  burnt  or  scalded  surface 
is  large,  as  in  this  case  the  heat  cannot  be  ajudied  equally  to  every  part. 


136  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

For  children  the  operation  is  too  painful;  and  in  burns  when  the  skin  is 
destroyed,  or  when  the  injury  is  in  the  face,  it  is  also  inapplicable.  Other 
remedies,  therefore,  have  to  be  used,  which  af  e  of  easier  application,  and  of 
which  the  effect  resembles  that  of  heat. 

If  the  burn  be  of  any  considerable  extent,  the  patient  should  be  first 
wrapped  in  a  blanket  and  placed  near  the  fire,  and  warm  brandy  and  water 
should  be  given ;  after  warmth  has  returned,  attention  should  be  paid  to 
the  burnt  parts. 

In  many  cases,  when  the  scald  or  burn  covers  a  large  surface  without 
being  very  deep,  raw  cotton  is  a  very  good  remedy.  It  should  be  spread  in 
layers  over  the  burn.  Blisters,  if  any  have  arisen,  should  be  first  punctured 
— a  fine  needle  answers  best  for  this  purpose— and  the  sores  washed  with 
warm  water.  If  the  wound  suppurates,  take  ofi"  the  upper  layer,  but  let  the 
lower  one  remain,  and  put  fresh  cotton  on  the  top ;  at  the  same  time  the 
whole  limb  must  be  properly  dressed.  The  earlier  the  cotton  is  applied, 
the  more  efficacious  it  proves ;  but  after  the  application  of  cold  water  or 
cooling  roots,  it  is  of  little  use. 

Bicarbonate  of  soda  (the  simple  cooking  soda),  spread  on  the  burnt  or 
scalded  parts,  and  covered  with  a  wet  cloth,  which  should  be  kept  wet  for 
a  considerable  length  of  time,  will  speedily  remove  the  pain  and,  if  the 
burn  be  not  too  deep,  will  produce  healing  in  a  short  time. 

Soap  is  one  of  the  best  remedies  both  in  superficial  and  deep  burns. 
It  is  the  more  valuable  as  it  is  easily  procured  and  applied,  and  will  prove 
serviceable  even  after  improper  remedies  have  been  used.  Take  white 
Castile  soap,  not  the  common  resinous  soap,  scrape  it  fine  and  make  a  thick 
salve  with  luke-warm  water,  make  a  plaster  of  this  by  spreading  it  on 
pieces  of  linen  or  muslin,  and  cover  the  scalded  or  burnt  surface  with  it, 
taking  care  that  it  comes  in  contact  with  every  part.  If  blisters  have  al- 
ready formed,  puncture  them  as  directed  above,  and  cut  off  as  much  of  tlie 
loose  skin  as  possible,  and  dress  the  wound  so  as  to  keep  the  surface  in 
contact  with  the  plaster. 

The  dressing  may  be  changed  every  twenty-four  hours,  by  carefully  re- 
moving the  old  plaster  and  replacing  it  immediately  by  a  fresh  one,  without 
washing  or  otherwise  interfering  with  the  sore. 

At  first  the  application  of  tlie  soap  plaster  will  probably  increase  the  pain ; 
this,  however,  will  be  but  temporary,  and  will  soon  be  followed  by  a  decre;ise 
in  the  suffering.  This  treatment  should  be  continued  until  the  sore  is  healed. 
The  completion  of  the  cure  will,  of  course,  depend  upon  the  extent  of  the 
injury — but  at  all  events  it  will  take  place  much  earlier  than  if  you  begin 
by  applying  cold  water,  lead-water,  and  such  things  to  the  burn.  Slight 
bums  and  scalds  will  heal  in  two  or  three  days,  and  bad  ones  in  eight  or 
ten.  It  will  effect  a  cure  even  where  the  burn  has  penetrated  to  the  bone ; 
generally  it  prevents  suppuration,  and  if  skilfully  applied,  leaves  no  scars. 

Lime-water  mi-^ced  with  sweet-oil,  or  equal  parts  of  linseed-oil  and  lime- 
water,  also  make  a  very  good  salve  for  burns ;   it  may  be  ajiplied  in  the 


EXTERXAL    INJUKIES.  137 

same  manner  as  soap,  and  may  be  used  instead  uf  that  in  case  tlie  latter 
jirovea  too  irritating. 

In  a  very  bad  case  of  burning  the  hand  with  burning  fluid  (oil  of  turpen- 
tine and  alcohol),  when  cantharides  and  soap  were  of  no  use,  a  salve,  made 
of  a  siJution  of  chloride  of  lime  and  sweet-oil,  eiused  tlie  pain  immediately, 
and  cured  the  hand  in  a  short  time.  It  is  particularly  applicable  in  hot 
weather,  when  suppuration  follows. 

In  all  cases  keep  the  air,  as  much  as  possible,  from  the  burn ;  do  not, 
therefore,  dress  the  wound  too  often,  and  leave  it  uncovered  no  longer  than 
is  necessary.  Cover  all  the  sore  places  accurately  and  carefully,  and  do  not 
sufl'cr  the  linen  to  lie  in  folds,  lest  it  stick  to  the  sore,  neither  attempt  to 
remove  the  salve  which  adheres  to  the  wound.  Open  the  blisters  where  most 
water  has  collected,  cut  off  the  skin,  especially  where  it  is  loose  and  shrunken, 
and  tie  the  whole  up  tightly  but  gently,  without  using  too  mucli  covering. 

Cosnwtine  or  vagetine  are  excellent  applications  in  burns. 

Cantharides. — The  tincture  of  cantharides  diluted,  in  the  proportion  of  five 
to  eight  drops  of  the  tincture  to  half  a  tumbler  of  water,  is  one  of  the  most 
efficacious  remedies  for  burns.  It  may  be  ajiplied  by  dipping  rags — those  of 
linen  are  best — into  it,  and  applying  them  to  the  seat  of  the  injury,  renewing 
them  two  or  three  times  a  day,  or  whenever  the  pain  begins  to  get  worse 
again. 

It  may  be  used  in  slight  and  severe  burns,  immediately  after  the  reception 
of  the  injury  or  at  a  later  period,  after  proper  or  improper  remedies  have 
been  used. 

Diluted  tincture  of  the  stinging  nettle  is  a  useful  application ;  it  is  to  be 
used  in  a  similar  manner  to  Cantharides.  Cloths  wetted  with  a  solution  of 
Caiisticmn,  the  3d  or  6tli  dilution,  may  be  ajiplied  in  burns  to  lessen  the 
pain  and  promote  healing. 

If  nothing  else  is  at  hand,  the  violent  2iains  may  be  mitigated  by  strewing 
hair-powder  or  powdered  starch  or  flour  upon  the  burn  or  scald. 

For  burns  in  the  mouth,  throat  or  stomach,  caused  by  taking  too  hot  food, 
or  in  the  rectum,  occasioned  by  taking  injections  too  hot,  dissolve  a  few 
globules  of  Cantharides  in  a  cup  full  of  water.  Take  a  teaspoonful  occa- 
sionally, and  keej)  it  in  the  mouth  for  a  while ;  use  this  medicine  also  in  the 
form  of  injections,  but  if  it  does  no  goo<l,  give  Arsenicum,  Causticum,  Sapo, 
Rhus  or  Carlo  vegelahiUs.  For  small  burns  on  the  hands  of  workingmen, 
the  best  remedy  is  gutta  percha  dissolved  in  oil  of  turpentine  or  chloroform. 

Burns  from  sulphuric  or  other  acids  require  lime-water,  or  chalk  mixed 
with  water ;  if  caused  by  an  alkali,  vinegar  will  prove  beneficial,  or  scraped 
apples. 

In  burns  from  jjliosphorus  there  is  no  better  remedy  than  oil,  sweet-oil 
especially  ;  renewing  its  application  until  the  pains  cease. 

If  u'.cers  remain  after  burns  liiey  can  1  e  treated  with  the  soap  plaster  re- 
commended above,  or  with  Crivslieiim  applied  fm  cloths,  which  should  not 
be  removed,  but  kept  continually  wetteil  w!ili  the  Causticum  solution  ;  if  the 


138  EXTERNAL    INJURIES. 

pains  are  very  severe,  and  the  ulcer  begins  to  smell  bail,  use  the  chloride 
of  lime  and  sweet-oil  as  mentioned  above. 

For  the  fever  wliich  sometimes  accompanies  burns,  give  Aconite.  Arnica 
should  not  be  used  in  injuries  of  this  kind.  In  convulsions  arising  from 
severe  burns,  Chamomilla  has  proved  beneficial.  Extensive  bums  are  some- 
times attended  by  diarrhoea  or  costiveness,  but  nothing  should  be  done  for 
either ;  unless  tlie  latter  lasts  longer  than  four  or  five  days,  when  injections 
of  warm  water  may  be  given.  If  tlie  diarrhoea  is  attended  with  pains  in  the 
bowels,  give  Pulsatilla,  afterwards  Sulphur.  The  diarrha?a  wliich  sometimes 
makes  its  appearance  is  essential  to  the  preservation  of  life,  an<l  ought,  on 
no  account,  to  be  interfered  with,  unless  it  continues  for  weeks  after  the  bum 
has  been  cured  ;  tli<  n  uim  Odntrea,  if  it  is  more  frequent  between  noon  and 
midnight;  Ar.^:  fninm,  if  niMie  towards  morning  and  in  tlie  forenoon.  In 
most  cases  it  will  cli>:ipi«;ir  nf  itself,  if  plenty  of  cold  water  be  drunk,  and 
frequent  e,xereise  in  the  open  air  is  taken  ;  both  of  which  are  necessary  to 
restore  persons  who  have  been  severely  burned  or  scalded.  If  the  hands 
and  feet,  or  the  whole  body  become  much  swollen,  give  C'alcarea. 

Of  the  api^lication  of  ointment  of  lead,  or  lead-water,  I  can  only  assure 
my  readers  that  it  has  never  done  the  least  good;  the  horrid  suppuration, 
ulcers,  and  dreadful  scars  which  it  leaves  behind,  could  not  be  worse  if  noth- 
ing were  done.  To  put  a  stop  to  the  use  of  these  abominable  medicines 
among  rational  people,  it  cannot  be  too  often  repeated  that  the  application 
of  lead- water  to  any  considerable  part  of  the  body  (in  case  of  a  severe  burn) 
almost  inevitably  proves  fatal.  Children  who  have  been  thus  treated  with 
lead-water,  wlien  half  tlie  body  has  been  burned,  have  died  in  consequence 
— not,  as  is  erroneously  supposed,  of  the  burns,  but  of  the  poison,  of  which 
the  symptoms  furnish  incontrovertible  evidence. 


FROST-BITES. 

Before  going  out  into  the  cold,  if  one  rubs  the  face,  ears  and  nose  with 
spirits  of  camphor,  it  will  serve,  in  a  great  measure,  to  protect  these  parts 
from  being  frost-bitten.  If  the  parts  become  frozen  stifl',  apply  snow  or  cold 
water.  Do  not  rub  with  snow  the  solidly  frozen  parts,  for  they  may  be  in- 
jured by  rough  usage.  It  is  only  after  they  have  been  thawed  that  rubbing 
may  be  employed.  The  inflammatory  redness  following  the  thawing  is  best 
treated  with  camphor  externally  applied.  Should  this  not  soon  relieve,  use 
cantharides  in  the  same  way  as  recommended  for  burns.  If  pains  in  the 
bones  remain  after  frost-bites,  especially  burning  pains,  Ruta  helps. 

When  a  person  has  been  handling  ice  and  has  afterward  violent  pains  in 
the  liands  and  arms ;  if  they  bum  and  warmth  relieves,  give  Arsenicum, 
sometimes  Carbo  vegetabilis  is  necessary  ;  if  warmth  aggravates,  Secalc;  if 
the  limb  becomes  blue  and  black  and  swells,  Lachesis.  After  being  out  in 
the  cold  and  wet,  drink  coffee,  and  cold  beer  after  being  in  a  cold,  dry 


FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC.  139 

atmospliere.  The  conseiiuences  of  exposure  to  cold  and  wet  are  often  lielped 
bv  Bhi.s  toiicodendron  ;  tliose  of  dry  cold  by  Aconite;  Glonoine  helps  both, 
especially  the  headaches. 


CHAPTER  X. 


FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES   INTRODUCED   INTO 
THE  HUMAN   BODY. 


INTO  THE  EYE. 


Washing  the  eye  with  water  will  be  beneficial  if  dust  or  any  insoluble 
substance  has  got  into  it,  but  will  be  injurious  if  the  substance  is  soluble,  as 
the  washing  will  only  tend  to  diffuse  it. 

Rubbing  the  eye  should  also  be  avoided,  as  it  merely  increases  the  irrita- 
tion. Press  gently  on  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye  towards  the  nose,  at  the 
same  time  drawing  the  outer  comer  downwards.  The  tears  will  then  wash 
the  foreign  substance  towards  tlie  inner  corner,  from  where  it  may  be  re- 
moved. Immersing  the  eye  immediately  in  a  vessel  of  cold  water  and  hold- 
ing it  there,  will  frequently  remove  the  cause  of  irritation  and  afford  relief. 
Sweet-oil  will  mitigate  the  irritation,  when  acids  or  caustic  salts  have  caused 
it;  but  it  is  injurious  when  caused  by  tlie  powder  of  Spanish-flies,  or  dead 
insects.  Tlie  white  of  eggs  is  very  good  when  sharp,  dust-like  mineral  sub- 
stances, paint,  or  small  pointed  particles,  get  into  the  eye.  For  ashes,  some 
kinds  of  dye-stuffs  and  perhaps  tobacco,  cream  or  sour  milk  is  the  best 
remedy.  For  lime,  the  eye  should  be  washed  with  vinegar  and  water,  or 
sweet-oil  may  be  freely  used. 

If  a  hard  substance  gets  into  the  eye  and  cannot  be  removed  by  the  above 
means,  but  continues  to  cause  irritation  and  pain,  draw  the  eyelids  apart, 
while  at  tlie  same  time  the  eye  is  slowly  moved  in  every  direction,  and  you 
can  ascertain  whether  there  is  anything  adhering  to  their  inner  surface ; 
then  roll  up  a  bit  of  paper,  so  as  to  have  a  soft  point,  with  this,  as  with  a 
camel's-hair  pencil,  you  may  take  away  the  offending  iiarticle.  Fine  blot- 
ting paper  will  answer  best  for  this  purpose,  as  the  foreign  body  will  more 
readily  adhere  to  it.  Should  it  be  necessary  to  push  the  pointed  paper  far 
back  under  the  eyelid,  moisten  it  first  with  saliva. 

In  order  to  evert  the  upper  eyelid,  seize  the  eyelashes  with  finger  and 
thumb  of  one  hand,  and  press  with  a  pencil  or  other  similar  body  held  in 
the  other  hand  on  the  upper  part  of  the  lid,  directing  the  patient  to  look 


140  FOREIGN   SUBSTANCES,   ETC. 

downwards.  The  lid  is  thus  easily  everted  and  any  extraneous  substance 
adhering  to  its  lining  membrane  readily  detected  and  removed. 

Cinders  in  the  Eyes. — A  few  grains  of  flaxseed  placed  in  the  eye  will 
swell  and  envelope  the  cinder  in  a  glutinous  substance,  and  it  may  be  soon 
washed  out. 

Particles  of  iron,  particularly  those  projected  hot  into  the  eye,  when  strik- 
ing fire,  or  from  a  smithy,  usually  adhere  very  tenaciously  ;  sometimes  you 
may  succeed  in  extracting  them  with  a  lock  of  hair,  introduced  under  the 
eyelid,  and  moved  backward  and  forward,  or  with  a  clean  ear-pick.  A 
magnet  is  sometimes  of  use,  and  should  be  tried  in  case  the  other  means 
fail. 

One  must  remember  that  often  when  the  foreign  body  has  been  removed, 
the  sensation  of  its  being  present  remains,  and  lasts  for  some  time ;  and  also 
that  the  sensation  of  a  foreign  body  in  the  eye  exists  without  one  ever  hav- 
ing been  there ;  but  the  feeling  is  due  to  inflammation  of  the  eye. 

Kubbing  is  injurious  at  all  times;  in  order  to  avoid  it,  put  on  a  linen 
compress  dipped  in  cold  water.  Sleep  sometimes  diminislies  the  pain.  If 
the  eye  is  red  and  inflamed  after  the  removal  of  the  foreign  body,  give 
Aconite,  which  is  also  of  service  if  it  cannot  be  got  out,  and  will  diminish 
the  pain  until  you  can  procure  a  surgeon,  or  till  the  night  is  passed,  when 
day-light  will  enable  you  to  examine  more  closely.  If,  after  giving  Aconite 
several  times,  the  eye  continues  sensitive  and  red,  give  Sulphur,  and  in  case 
this  does  not  prove  efficacious,  Calcarea  or  Silicea. 

If  the  eyelids  are  spasmodically  closed,  and  will  scarcely  let  tears  escape, 
Belladonna  generally  relieves ;  sometimes  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  Hyos- 
cyamus  afterwards. 


2.   INTO  THE  EAR. 

When  an  insect  has  found  its  way  into  the  ear,  place  the  patient  upon  the 
opposite  side,  and  pour  sweet-oil  into  the  ear,  until  the  insect  becomes  visi- 
ble ;  tlien  take  it  out  with  a  small  roll  of  paper  or  a  pair  of  delicate  forceps. 

Extraneous  bodies,  such  as  gravel,  shot,  beads,  cherry-stones,  pieces  of 
wood,  peas,  beans,  pins,  etc.,  are  often  put  into  the  ear  by  children.  If 
attended  to  before  they  excite  inflammation  and  swelling,  they  can  generally 
be  removed  by  very  slender  forceps  or  by  a  hair-pin,  the  curved  end  of 
whicli  has  been  bent  so  as  to  form  an  obtuse  angle,  like  the  heel  of  a  spoon, 
and  to  which  a  handle  has  been  made  by  sticking  the  points  of  the  pin  into 
a  cork. 

Place  yourself  behind  the  ear,  draw  it  upwards  and  backwards  with  one 
hand,  and  at  the  same  time  away  from  the  head,  that  you  may  look  into  it 
as  far  as  possible;  dij)  the  instrument  into  sweet-oil,  and  pressing  the  bent 
part  against  the  back  part  of  the  internal  ear,  push  it  in  till  it  passes  behind 
and  aroimd  the  object;  then  lift  a  little,  and  the  end  of  the  pin  will  take 
hold  i.f  it  fiom  behind,  like  a  spoon,  and  bring  it  out. 


FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC.  141 

If  you  cannot  succeed  in  passing  the  Iiair-pin  behind  the  object,  vou  may 
sometimes  be  able  to  remove  it  by  means  of  a  small  syringe,  with  a  slender 
nozzle ;  fill  it  with  warm  water,  pass  the  point  of  the  nozzle  alongside  the 
oljjcct  and  inject  the  fluid  with  moderate  force. 

If  with  children,  particularly  if  there  is  a  round  object  in  the  ear,  it  is 
better  to  push  the  hair-pin  along  the  back  part  of  the  internal  ear ;  with 
grown  persons  it  is  generally  better  along  the  upper  surface.  When  the 
object  is  visible  it  can  be  seen  where  best  to  insert  the  instrument ;  but  if 
not  visible  carefully  feel  for  it.  If  anything  has  been  wedged  into  the  ear, 
it  may  sometimes  be  removed  by  a  second  liair-pin,  prepared  as  above,  in- 
serted opposite  to  the  firet  and  both  drawn  out  together.  In  all  the  manipu- 
lations great  gentleness  and  care  must  be  used,  lest  the  object  be  pushed 
further  into  the  canal. 

If  pain  and  inflammation  of  the  ear  remain,  give  Arnica,  and  after  a  few 
liours,  Pulsatilla.  If  the  inflammation  is  already  very  considerable,  and  the 
ear-canal  so  much  swelled  that  nothing  can  be  got  out,  Pulsatilla  is  also  of 
service.  In  some  cases,  when  the  children  are  in  great  pain,  have  much 
fever,  speak  incoherently,  or  are  delirious,  give,  if  Pulsatilla  does  not  suffice, 
Belladonna,  and  afterwards,  if  there  is  still  some  pain  left,  Sulphur. 


3.    INTO  THE  NOSE. 

Foreign  bodies,  if  not  very  firmly  fixed,  may  be  removed  from  the  nose 
by  taking  a  full  inspiration,  closing  the  moutli,  and  expelling  the  air  for- 
cibly through  the  nostrils ;  or  by  tickling  the  nostrils  with  a  feather,  or  a 
little  dry  snuff'  to  bring  on  sneezing.  Sometimes  obstructions  may  be  re- 
moved from  tlie  nose  with  forceps  or  by  the  same  instrument  recommended 
for  the  ear,  or  a  similar  one,  but  somewhat  longer,  or  they  may  be  pushed 
back  so  as  to  fall  into  the  mouth.  Do  not  make  too  many  experiments,  but 
rather  apply  to  a  surgeon  who  has  the  necessary  instruments.  The  swell- 
ing, which  will  sometimes  prevent  the  extraction  of  an  object,  or  which  re- 
mains after  it  has  been  extracted,  may  be  considerably  lessened  by  the  ad- 
ministration of  Aconite,  and  later.  Arnica;  or  if  tliese  do  not  succeed,  by 
Belladonna  or  Rhm.  For  the  remaining  pain  and  suppuration,  if  any  exists, 
give  Sulphur. 


4- 


INTO  THE  THROAT  ((ESOPHAGUS). 


If  a  foreign  substance  lodges  in  the  throat,  endeavor  to  make  the  patient 
throw  it  up,  by  beating  him  between  the  shoulders ;  let  him  open  his  mouth, 
press  down  liis  tongue  with  a  spoon  and  look  into  the  throat,  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  there  be  anything  that  can  be  seized  and  brouglit  out  with 
the  fingers.     Blowing  into  the  ears  is  said  to  produce  reflex  action  in  the 


142  FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,   ETC. 

throat  or  gullet,  and  so  the  foreign  object  is  forced  out.     See  "Larynx  or 
Windpipe." 

If,  after  the  object  has  been  removed,  the  sensation  as  if  it  were  still 
there  remains,  particularly  after  pointed  substances,  it  shows  that  a  wound 
has  been  made,  and  all  acrid  or  highly  seasoned  things  must  be  avoided  in 
food  and  drink. 

If  a  large  piece  of  food  remains  fast  in  the  throat  on  account  of  its  size 
and  liardness,  it  is  advisable  to  excite  vomiting,  particularly  if  upon  retch- 
ing, you  perceive  the  obstruction  move  upward.  Tickling  the  throat  will 
sometimes  effect  this,  if  not,  put  snuff  on  the  tongue,  or  give  an  injection  of 
tobacco.  When  it  can  be  felt  on  the  outside  of  the  throat,  a  gentle  pressure 
upward  may  force  it  out.  At  first  you  ought  to  endeavor  to  make  the  suf- 
ferer throw  up  again  wliatever  has  been  swallowed,  but  do  not  proceed  with 
too  much  violence.  If  the  substance  has  already  descended  so  far  that  it 
cannot  be  felt  in  the  throat,  and  it  seems  as  if  it  were  sticking  fast  in  the 
chest,  it  must  be  forced  down  into  the  stomach,  particularly  if  it  is  soft, 
smooth  and  soluble,  and  is  only  arrested  on  account  of  its  size.  If  the  suf- 
ferer feels  that  at  times  it  slips  down,  it  should  be  allciwed  to  irlide  of  itself 
into  the  stomach,  or  be  assisted  by  occasionally  swallowing;  :i  little  water, 
provided  it  is  a  substance  which  will  not  swell;  otlurwise  a  little  melted 
butter  or  sweet-oil.  If  the  symptoms,  however,  become  too  troublesome, 
endeavor  to  push  it  down.  For  this  purpose  take  a  smooth,  willow  twig  or 
a  long  piece  of  whalebone,  scraped  perfectly  smooth,  and  tie  to  the  end  of 
it  a  bit  of  sponge.  To  be  able  to  fasten  it  on  well,  cut  a  few  notches  in  the 
stick,  and  use  waxed  thread  or  silk.  Bub  some  sweet-oil  on  this  instru- 
ment, and  introduce  it  cautiously  into  the  throat,  pushing  gently  against  the  ' 
back  of  the  throat. 

If  a  contraction  of  the  gullet  takes  place,  which  prevents  the  substance 
from  being  moved,  or  if  pains,  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  other  symptoms 
make  their  appearance,  give  Ignatia;  and  if  this  fails  to  relieve,  Chmnomilla; 
then  sweet-oil  or  butter;  and  after  this,  try  again  to  push  the  substance 
down;  if  the  face  is  pale,  if  there  is  nausea,  worse  after  speaking,  give 
Cocculns;  if  the  face  is  red  and  if  there  is  a  constant  inclination  to  swallow, 
Belladonna. 

Frequently  the  sensation  of  something  sticking  in  the  throat  will  remain, 
although  the  substance  has  already  descended  into  the  stomach.  This,  how- 
ever, is  of  no  consequence,  and  will  disappear  of  its  own  accord,  or  after 
medicine.  You  may  judge  that  this  is  the  case  when  the  pain  increases  no 
longer,  but  remains  the  same,  and  when  no  other  symptoms  appear;  also, 
when  soft  or  fluid  things  can  be  swallowed  without  coming  up  again,  and 
which,  when  passing  the  sore  spot,  produce  some  pain,  without  making  it 
much  worse.  In  such  cases  give  Arnica,  and  afterwards,  if  necessar}*,  Mer- 
eurins,  or  one  of  the  medicines  prescribed  below.  If  the  patient  feels  as  if 
a  small  splinter  or  fish-bone  were  in  the  throat,  give  Hcpar.  But  if,  on  the 
other  hand,  there  are  small  particles  still  remaining  in  the  throat,  produc- 
ing constant  irritation,  give  Silicea. 


FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC.  143 

If  a  bone  remains  in  tlie  throat,  which  is  so  large  that  it  cannot  go  down, 
extract  it  in  tlie  manner  recommended  below,  or  let  a  surgeon  be  called  in. 

With  sharp,  pointed  articles,  such  as  pieces  of  glass,  fish-bones,  small 
bones,  needles,  etc.,  be  cautious  and  use  no  violence.  Frequently  swallow- 
ing a  large  mouthful  of  slightly  chewed  bread,  potatoes,  figs,  dried  prunes, 
etc.,  will  remove  them;  or  if  they  are  small  pointed  articles,  which  have 
pierced  the  tissues,  pills  of  wax  as  large  as  a  musket-ball,  dipped  in  honey, 
those  made  of  wax  fresh  from  the  hive,  and  rolled  in  honey  until  they 
become  round  and  smooth,  are  to  be  preferred. 

Whcu  dangerous  symptoms,  such  as  violent  pain,  retching  almost  to  suf- 
focation, great  anguish,  fits,  etc.,  occur,  hasten  to  remove  the  obstruction,  or 
at  least  to  loosen  it.  A  violin  string,  or  a  fine  wire,  bent  in  the  middle  so 
as  to  form  a  small  loop,  will  answer  this  purpose.  It  must  be  introduced 
in  such  a  manner  that  the  ends  of  the  sling  or  loop  are  out  of  the  mouth. 
Push  it  forward  gently  until  it  is  below  the  painful  si)Ot,  then  move  it  up 
and  down,  and  twirl  it  around  several  times,  and  draw  it  up  again  slowly. 
In  some  cases  a  piece  of  whalebone,  or  a  small  willow  twig,  as  described 
above,  will  answer  better.  This  should  be  introduced  with  a  rotary  motion, 
until  the  dry  sponge  is  below  the  object,  then  give  a  mouthful  of  water,  and 
after  the  sponge  has  swelled  a  little,  draw  it  up  slowly.  A  feather  tied  to 
a  strong  thread,  may  be  pushed,  quill  foremost,  down  the  throat,  so  that  the 
feathery  part  when  pulled  up,  may  press  against  the  sides,  and  on  being 
turned  several  times  may  loosen  and  bring  up  the  foreign  body.  Pins, 
needles,  fish-bones,  etc.,  may  sometimes  he  extracted  by  tying  to  a  whale- 
bone or  willow  twig  a  number  of  silk  slings,  made  like  those  for  catching 
birds,  introduced  in  the  manner  above  described,  and  turned  round  several 
times.  A  piece  of  fat  meat — bacon — tied  to  a  string,  and  swallowed,  and 
pulled  up  again  by  the  string,  has  also  been  used  successfully. 

Splinters  of  glass  may  be  removed  from  the  throat,  by  taking  two  or  three 
inches  of  the  upper  end  of  a  tallow  candle,  fastened  to  a  string  by  the  wick, 
compelling  the  patient  to  swallow  it  and  then  drawing  it  up  again  ;  this  may 
be  repeated  several  times  if  necessary. 

Fish-hooks,  with  a  part  of  the  line  attached  to  them,  have  been  swallowed 
and  successfully  removed  by  drilling  a  hole  in  a  leaden  bullet,  passing  the 
line  through  it  and  causing  the  patient  to  swallow  it.  The  weight  of  the 
bullet  disengages  the  hook,  and  its  point,  coming  in  contact  with  the  lead, 
will  prevent  it  sticking  again  in  the  oesophagus  in  the  act  of  drawing  upon 
the  line,  so  that  both  bullet  and  hook  may  be  drawn  out  together. 

In  performing  operations  of  this  kind,  the  patient  should  be  seated  on  a 
chair,  with  the  head  thrown  well  back,  and  supported  from  behind  l)y  an 
assistant;  then  press  the  tongue  down  witli  the  fore-finger  of  the  left  hand, 
and  introduce  the  instrument,  jireviously  oiled,  slowly  and  carefully,  jircsslng 
against  the  back  part  of  the  throat.  By  the  sudden  resistance,  or  the  con- 
vulsive motion  and  pain  of  the  sufferer,  you  may  know  that  the  instrument 
is  near  the  obstruction,  or  at  the  painful  spot.     In  pulling  it  uj),  be  careful 


144  FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC. 

not  to  strike  against  tlie  larynx,  and  lose  again  what  you  have  brought  up. 
Kather  press  tlie  instrument  a  little  against  one  side,  and  bend  the  head 
quickly  forward,  as  soon  as  the  end  of  the  instrument  reaches  the  top  of  the 
throat. 

In  very  dangerous  cases,  where  even  the  experienced  practitioner  is  un- 
able to  afford  relief,  the  last  alternative  is  to  make  an  incision  in  the  throat, 
))y  which,  sometimes,  persons  have  been  saved  who  were  supposed  to  be 
suffocated.     Of  course  this  must  not  be  attempted,  except  by  the  surgeon. 


The  introduction  into  the  stomach  of  foreign  bodies,  such  as  buttons,  coins, 
rings,  etc.,  a  matter  of  a  frequent  occurrence  with  ciiildren,  and  which 
is  generally  the  source  of  great  deal  of  uneasiness  to  the  parents,  is  not  usually 
followed  by  serious  consequences ;  as  they  sooner  or  later  pass  off  through 
the  bowels  without  much  pain  or  inconvenience,  unless  they  are  too  large 
to  do  so,  in  which  case  they  may  cause  very  serious  disturbances  or  deatli 
itself. 

Their  passage  through  the  bowels  may  be  facilitated  by  eating  plentifully 
of  boiled  rice,  porridge,  or  some  farinaceous  food  which  will  in  its  passage 
distend  the  stomach  and  intestines  and  help  to  carry  off  the  extraneous 
substance.  Eubbing  and  kneading  the  abdomen  softly,  or  lying  on  the  belly, 
frequent  exercise,  without  using  violent  exertion,  may  also  accelerate  this 
event.  A  person  who  is  disposed  to  be  costive  should  take  no  aperient 
medicines,  which  only  weaken  tlie  intestines,  but  should  eat  light  food, 
plenty  of  butter,  and  have,  daily,  an  injection  of  water  or  milk  administered. 

In  order  to  ascertain  whether  the  article  swallowed  luis  been  discliarged, 
the  excrement  may  be  allowed  to  fall  into  a  vessel  containing  water,  and 
after  it  has  dissolved,  should  be  strained  through  a  sieve  or  basket;  or,  if 
needles  have  been  swallowed,  through  a  coarse  cloth.  Needles  sometimes 
make  quite  a  different  passage  for  themselves,  and  come  o\it  without  causing 
any  injury ;  if  they  remain  too  long,  Silicea,  to  be  followed  later  by  Hcpar. 

If,  some  time  after  needles  or  coins  have  been  swallowed,  bad  symptoms 
make  their  appearance,  such  as  violent  pains  in  a  particular  part  of  tlie  ab- 
domen, as  if  something  were  wedged  there,  give  Ipecacuanha.  If  it  does 
good,  repeat  it  as  often  as  the  symptoms  get  worse  again  ;  if  not,  give  Verat- 
rum  or  Nux  vomica.  Should,  notwithstanding,  more  violent  symptoms,  severe 
colic  and  constipation  appear,  give  Opium,  frequently  rSjieated  ;  if  violent 
attacks  occur,  with  a  throbbing  pain  in  a  particular  spot,  as  if  suppuration 
was  about  to  commence,  give  Lachesis. 

Sometimes  articles  which  have  been  swallowed  pass  through  the  intestines 
without  any  difficulty,  and  remain  in  the  rectum.  The  passage  from  thence 
will  be  assisted  by  injections  of  linseed-oil,  olive-oil,  or  milk  ;  or  by  tlie  in- 
sertion of  long,  thick  strips  of  bacon  into  the  rectum,  one  half  may  be 


FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC.  145 

allowed  to  hang  out,  or  tliev  may  be  Iield  by  a  thread  ;  in  tliis  way  tlio  liacon 
protects  the  anus  against  the  hard  substance.  In  this  manner  the  latter  is 
freciuently  extracted  witli  much  facility,  particiihnly  if  somebody  assists 
witli  a  piece  of  rounded  whalebone  or  with  the  handle  of  a  silver  spoon.  If 
you  cannot  succeed  with  tliis,  send  for  a  surgeon,  and  let  him  examine  the 
parts ;  but  have  recourse  tn  no  aperients,  which  may  prove  dangerous.  If 
the  anus  close-s  convulsively,  give  lynatia,  Belladonna  or  Lycopodium. 

Leeclies,  inadvertently  swallowed,  give  rise  to  painful  consequences,  as 
burning  pain  in  the  stomacli,  hiccough,  spitting  of  blood  and  slow  fever, 
which  reduces  the  patient  visibly.  These  consequences  may  be  prevented 
or  removed  by  the  immediate  administration  of  a  quantity  of  common  salt, 
dissolved  in  water,  and  occasionally  melted  butter.  In  children,  sugar  will 
sometimes  relieve  the  symptoms.  For  the  remaining  symptoms,  if  any, 
give  Arnica,  and,  some  days  after,  Arsenicum. 

When  other  live  creatures  find  their  way  into  the  stomach,  if  insects,  let 
tlie  patient  swallow  some  sweet-oil  or  fresh  salted  butter ;  and  if  tliat  fails 
to  relieve  him,  a  bit  of  camphor,  the  size  of  a  pea,  ground  up  with  oil. 
When  worms,  snakes,  frogs,  etc.,  get  into  the  stonuich,  let  the  patient  drink 
sugar-water  and  eat  sugar,  imtil  it  acts  as  a  laxative,  or  take  an  emetic  of 
mustard  and  warm  water.  The  bad  effects  remaining  after  the  emetic  has 
produced  its  action,  will  be  obviated  by  smelling  camphor,  and  giving 
Ipecacuanha  several  times,  or  Nux  vomica. 


6.    INTO  THE  LARYNX  OR  WINDPIPE. 

When  a  person  talks  or  laughs  when  swallowing,  or  breathes  in  quickly, 
whilst  holding  something  in  his  mouth ;  or  when  children,  in  their  play, 
hold  sometliing  in  their  mouth,  and  it  gets  into  the  larynx  or  windpipe, 
("going  the  wrong  way,"  as  the  phrase  is,) — beating  with  the  flat  hand  on 
the  back  whilst  the  sufferer  liends  forward,  or  blowing  snuff  up  the  nose  to 
induce  him  to  -neeze,  or  tickling  the  throat  with  a  feather  to  produce  vomit- 
ing, relieve  sometimes,  but  only  in  trifling  cases ;  and  it  sometimes  makes 
matters  worse.  Neither  too  many  nor  too  violent  attempts  of  this  kind 
ought  to  be  made.  In  the  beginning  you  may  cause  the  head  to  be  bent 
back  as  far  as  possible,  or  else  forward,  that  the  object  may  be  brought 
up  by  coughing.  Yet  not  much  can  be  expected  from  this,  if  the  foreign 
substance  is  firmly  fixed  in  the  windpipe.  You  may  sometimes  ascertain 
whether  there  is  anything  actually  in  the  larynx,  by  taking  hold  of  the 
latter  and  shaking  it  very  gently  with  your  tliumb  and  forefinger  once  or 
twice ;  tlie  obstruction  will  rattle,  if  it  is  loose  or  sufficiently  large.  Some- 
times the  patient  will  fall  asleep,  and  whilst  in  that  state  the  extraneous 
body  may  be  dislodged  (the  head  in  this  ca.se  should  not  be  too  high). 

Some  foreign  bodies  have  lieen  removed  by  gently  turning  the  patient 
upside  down;  the  intruding  substance  will  then  sometimes  fall  out  by  its 
own  weight. 
10 


146  FOREIGN    SUBSTANCES,    ETC. 

If  the  danger,  however,  should  continue  to  increase  in  spite  of  these 
means,  and  the  medicines  hereafter  recommended,  an  operation  must  he 
performed.  Hasten,  therefore,  to  call  in  the  nearest  experienced  surgeon 
who  knows  how  to  make  the  incision  in  the  windpipe — tlie  only  means 
which  can  save  the  patient,  and  which  sometimes  succeeds  even  when  he 
appears  already  suffocated.  This  operation,  if  properly  performed,  is  hy  no 
means  so  dangerous  and  difficult  as  it  would  appear,  for  most  of  those  who 
are  operated  ujion  recover ;  and  even  when  the  windjjipe  has  heen  severed 
in  an  attempt  at  suicide,  the  patient  is  not  unfrequently  restored.  It  is, 
therefore,  unwise  not  to  have  recourse  to  this  operation,  if  a  skilful  surgeon 
can  he  procured  in  time. 

As  the  symptoms  frequently  resemble  those  of  obstruction  in  the  throat, 
you  should  always  look  into  the  mouth,  whilst  pressing  down  the  tongue, 
and  try  if  you  can  feel  anything  with  your  fingers  or  a  spoon  ;  also  try  with 
whale-bone  or  a  willow  twig  whether  you  cau  feel  any  substance  in  the 
throat.*  You  may  likewise  know  by  the  following  signs,  that  there  is  some- 
thing in  the  windpipe :  the  pain  is  more  towards  the  front,  so  that  the  suf- 
ferer can  point  it  out  with  his  finger ;  when  the  obstruction  is  in  the  throat, 
the  pain  is  more  back  or  at  one  side.  There  is  great  difficulty  in  swallowing 
and  breathing  in  both  cases,  but  when  the  windpipe  is  obstructed,  the 
breathing  is  particularly  difficult,  the  face  is  bloated  and  purple,  the  eyes 
protrude;  the  voice  is  more  affected,  becomes  hoarse,  or  is  lost  altogether; 
the  cough  is  whistling  or  rattles,  and  threatens  to  terminate  in  suffocation. 

The  symptoms,  in  some  cases,  do  not  at  first  appear  to  be  of  great  conse- 
quence, but  they  increase  gradually,  or  sometimes  they  disappear  altogether, 
and  return  with  greater  violence. 

If  the  foreign  substance  is  not  located  in,  but  below  the  larynx,  and  res- 
piration is  not  impeded  by  it,  the  patient  may  seem  to  be  in  good  health  for 
days  and  even  for  weeks,  without  experiencing  any  cough  or  other  sym2> 
toms.  Suddenly,  however,  he  will  be  taken  with  violent  fits  of  coughing 
almost  to  suffocation,  the  attacks  resembling  those  of  croup.  In  such  cases 
if  Tariar  emetic  or  Silicea  do  not  afford  immediate  relief,  tliere  is  little  hope 
remaining.  Neither  will  an  incision  always  avail,  if  between  the  attacks  of 
coughing,  the  respiration  becomes  more  and  more  difficidt  and  heaving. 
By  this  time  the  lungs  have  become  congested,  and  the  sufferer  will  often 
die  whether  an  opening  be  made  in  the  trachea  or  not. 

If  the  patient  improves,  Imt  is  not  entirely  restored ;  if  the  symptoms  re- 
turn several  times ;  if  there  is  a  rough,  hollow  cough,  particularly  at  night 
or  after  certain  motions,  a  bad  odor  from  the  mouth,  the  breath  exhaled 
from  the  lungs  is  very  offensive,  or  a  constant  cough  appears  as  in  consump- 
tion, give  Silicea.  It  has  cured  many  of  tlie  worst  cases.  If  tlie  symptoms 
change  without  Improving,  and  the  cough  grows  worse  towards  morning, 
give  Hepar. 

*  See  Section  4:  "foreign  BotUes  into  Throat." 


FOREIGN   SUBSTANCES,   ETC.  147 

After  having  ascertained  that  the  obstruction  is  in  the  windpipe,  give,  at 
once,  Ipecacuanha,  repeating  the  dose  if  it  affords  relief,  as  often  as  the  symp- 
toms become  worse  again.  Nothing  besides  tliis  but  sugar  or  sugar-water 
should  be  given,  until  medical  aid  can  be  procured.  Belladonna  may  also 
have  a  good  effect.  When  the  patient  falls  asleep,  do  not  disturb  him ;  and 
if  the  symptoms  reappear,  do  not  immediately  give  a  fresh  dose,  but  wait 
until  they  are  really  worse.  Sometimes  the  object  is  ejected  during  sleep. 
If  Belladonna  does  not  suffice,  or  if  symptoms  remain  after  the  danger  is 
over,  you  may  give  Hepar.  If,  despite  of  all  these  remedies,  the  patient 
should  be  in  danger  of  suffocation,  give  Tartar  etiietic;  when  the  patient  be- 
comes purple  in  the  face,  Opium. 

When  dust  has  been  inhaled,  which  catises  violent  cough,  or  hairs  or 
feathers  have  got  into  the  windpipe,  Belladonna  will  be  of  service;  after- 
wards Hepar.  The  relief  will,  however,  be  but  gradual.  It  is  well  to  give 
at  the  same  time  some  sugar  or  gum  Arabic. 

If  anything  has  got  into  the  throat  of  a  child,  and  is  located  in  or  near 
the  upper  part  of  the  larynx,  frequent  attacks  of  a  suffocating  cough  will 
ensue,  which  Tartar  emetic  will  greatly  relieve.  If  the  attacks  return  con- 
tinually, or  if  there  is  a  cough  attended  with  an  offensive  smell,  give  Silicea. 
In  almost  all  instances  gradual  improvement  will  thereby  be  effected,  the 
patient  getting  rid  of  the  obstruction  by  coughing,  or  by  swidlowing  it.  In 
tedious  cases  Hepar  may  be  given  after  Silicea. 


7.   INTO  THE  SKIN. 

When  any  large  substance  gets  under  the  skin,  proceed  as  recommended 
under  the  head  of  "  Wounds."  We  shall  only  mention  the  best  means  of 
removing  small,  pointed  particles,  such  as  thorns,  thistle-prickles,  chestnut- 
burs,  great  numbers  of  which  sometimes  stick  in  the  skin.  In  case  they 
cannot  be  extracted  with  a  pair  of  pincers  or  tweezers,  or  by  some  sticky 
substance  applied  as  a  plaster  to  the  skin  and  taken  off,  bringing  the  offend- 
ing points  with  it,  put  oil  on  the  spot,  then  take  a  common  knife,  not  too 
sharp,  and  scrape  the  skin  slowly,  applying  the  whole  blade,  as  in  shaving," 
and  bear  on  moderately  hard.  If  the  thorns  have  entered  obliquely,  scrape 
the  skin  in  such  a  direction  as  to  press  first  upon  the  points.  Continue  this 
operation,  applying  oil  constantly,  until  everything  is  extracted. 

The  same  method  may  be  pursued  when  splinters  of  gla.ss  get  into  the 
skin  ;  but  this  is  very  jjainful,  and  it  is  mostly  better  to  let  them  come  out 
by  suppuration,  if  they  cannot  be  extracted  with  the  forceps,  apidying  poul- 
tices to  hasten  the  suppurative  process.  For  tlie  inflammation  which  some- 
times ensues  give  Arnica;  for  the  suppuration  Hepar,  followed,  if  necessary, 
by  Silicea,  and  in  case  the  supi)uration  should  be  profuse,  and  the  wound 
become  deep,  and  neither  Silicea  nor  Hepar  bring  about  improvement,  give 
Lachesis  or  Mercurius. 


148  FOREIGN   SUBSTANCES,    ETC. 

When  persons  have  been  foolish  enough  to  use  blisters  or  mustard  plasters, 
hoping  that  these  may  relieve,  particularly  if  their  skin  is  very  sensitive,  or 
if  the  plasters  remain  too  long,  it  is  necessary  to  use  a  remedy.  If  a  fly 
blister  has  been  used,  give  Camphor.  See  "Animal  Poisons."  For  mustard 
you  may  apply  soapsuds  or  tincture  of  stinging  nettles,  very  much  diluted 
with  water.  The  quickest  relief  will  be  obtained  by  excluding  the  air  and 
taking  internally  a  dilution  of  stinging  nettle  tincture. 


PART  SECOND. 


The  Treatment  of  Diseases. 


CHAPTER  I. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  HEAD. 


Giddiness  sometimes  arises  from  causes  which  medicine  may  remove; 
such  are:  disordered  stomach,  profuse  evacuations,  ardent  spirits,  narcotic 
medicines,  and  falls  or  blows  on  the  head.  Sometimes  it  is  connected 
with  other  complaints,  and  can  only  be  removed  by  attention  to  the  general 
health  of  the  patient. 

A  person  who  is  subject  to  giddiness  should  be  moderate  in  eating  and 
drinking — should  rise  early,  walk  frequently  in  the  open  air,  and  use  now 
and  then  the  flesh-brush  in  the  evening. 


GIDDINESS.  VERTIGO. 

Aconite  relieves  giddiness  with  nausea,  eructations, 
vomiting,  etc.;  later  Pulsatilla  or  Antimonium  crud.,  if 
there  be  disordered  stomach. 

Vertigo  while  eating  or  after  a  hearty  meal  is  always 
an  alarming  symptom.  Temperance  in  eating  and  drink- 
ing and  a  dose  of  Arnica  in  the  morning  will  often  re- 
lieve ;  sometimes  Nux  vomica,  Chamomilla,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus 
or  Coceulus,  according  to  the  disposition  of  the  patient, 
will  be  beneficial.  Abstinence  from  wine  and  liquors  of 
all  kinds  is  also  requisite. 

(149) 


150  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

SulpJmr  or  Calcarea  sometimes  cures  the  giddiness, 
which  is  a  serious  symptom,  resulting  from  the  sup- 
pression of  old  ulcers. 

Mercurius,  if  the  dizziness  appears  only  in  the  evening 
and  is  accompanied  by  dimness  of  sight ;  Belladonna,  if 
there  is  sparkling  before  the  eyes,  particularly  when  mov- 
ing, increased  by  stooping;  afterwards  Calcarea  if  neces- 
sary ;  Cocculus,  for  vertigo,  which  is  increased  by  sitting 
upright  in  bed.  Phosphonis,  if  the  giddiness  is  accom- 
panied by  headache  and  a  feeling  of  pressure  on  the  top 
of  the  head. 

Giddiness  from  close  thinking  is  relieved  by  Nux  vomica, 
from  looking  up,  by  Pulsatilla,  or  still  oftener  by  Nux 
vomica;  particularly  if  the  patient  becomes  unconscious  or 
on  lying  down  in  bed,  he  feels  as  if  he  were  being  turned 
backward  like  a  wheel ;  on  moving — better  when  lying — 
Cinchona,;  on  lying  down,  Rhus;  on  rising,  Chamomilla ; 
only  after  stooping,  Aconite,  and  afterwards,  Belladonna,  or 
Calcarea;  from  riding,  Ilepar,  and  afterwards,  Silicea; 
when  sitting,  Pulsatilla. 

Giddiness,  with  partial  loss  of  consciousness,  or  agita- 
tion. Belladonna ;  so  bad  as  to  make  the  patient  apt  to 
fall,  or  fear  that  he  is  going  to  die,  Klnis ;  with  buzzing 
in  the  ears,  headache,  heat  or  paleness  of  the  face,  dim- 
ness of  the  eyes,  Pulsatilla;  worse  M'hen  at  rest,  while 
standing,  sitting,  and  when  first  closing  the  eyes  on  lying 
down,  darkness  before  the  eyes,  with  headache,  nausea  or 
sneezing.  Apis;  with  weakness  in  the  head.  Cinchona; 
with  bleeding  of  the  nose.  Sulphur ;  with  fainting,  Chamo- 
milla, subsecjuently,  Hepar. 


WEAKNESS  OF  MEMORY. 

Weakness  of  memory,  from  bleeding,  purging  and  other 
debilitating  causes,  is  removed  by  Cinchona  or  Lachesis; 
in  old  peojile,  who  are  always  chilly,  who  easily  take 


Al'-FECTIOXS    OF    THE    HEAD.  151 

cold,  and  who  always  like  to  stay  in  the  house,  Nux 
onoschata ;  if  they  like  to  be  in  the  open  air,  though  they 
take  cold  every  time,  Ccpa ;  that  from  blows  on  the  head. 
Arnica;  from  sjairituous  liquors,  iV^!ta;'iw?iica;  from  fright, 
anger,  vexation,  select  among  the  remedies  recommended 
in  Part  I.,  Chapter  I.,  particularly  Aconite,  Stapldsagria 
and  Veratnim;  and  after  taking  cold,  Rhus,  or  Carbo 
vegetahilis;  with  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  par- 
ticularly Aconite  and  Belladonna;  if  one  cannot  fix  his 
thoughts  upon  one  particular  thing.  Apis;  and  among  the 
remedies  prescribed  for  these  causes,  Cinchona,  Rhus, 
Mercurius,  or  Sidj^Jnu: 

Benefit  will  be  derived  from  wasliing  the  head  every  evening  with  cold 
water,  and  tying  a  handkerchief  around  it ;  and  every  morning  washing  tlie 
forehead  and  eyes  in  very  cold  water.  A  better  remedy,  perhaps,  is,  just 
before  going  to  bed,  to  place  the  feet,  up  to  the  ankles,  in  very  cold  water 
for  one  or  two  minutes,  after  wliich  let  them  be  rubbed  well  with  a  coarse 
towel. 


DETERMINATION  OF  BLOOD  TO  THE  HEAD. 

This  is  a  very  troublesome,  and  when  of  long  continu- 
ance, a  dangerous  complaint.  If  the  arteries  in  the  tem- 
ples can  be  felt  to  beat  as  the  pulse  beats;  the  veins  of  the 
head  and  neck  are  swelled,  the  head  feels  full;  giddiness 
takes  place  frequently,  particularly  when  stooping  or  when 
walking  in  the  sun  ;  if  the  head  above  the  eyes  feels  like 
bursting — worse  when  stooping  and  coughing — give 
Aconite.  Short  cold  foot-baths  are  also  of  benefit.  At  the 
same  time  abstain  from  coffee,  wine  and  ardent  spirits, 
and  be  moderate  in  the  use  of  warm  drinks — but  drink 
freely  of  cold  water,  and  wash  the  neck  and  head  fre- 
quently with  it.  If  it  comes  on  suddenly,  the  brain  feel- 
ing as  if  expanding,  becoming  larger  and  larger,  with 
heat  and  beating  in  the  head,  particularly  in  the  temples, 
extending  at  every  step  down  to  the  neck,  give  Glonoine. 


152  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

If  this  should  not  afford  relief,  and  the  patient  is  very- 
irritable  or  passionate — has  drunk  much  ardent  spirits, 
or  has  been  much  confined,  give  Niix  vomica. 

Belladonna,  if  there  are  severe  jerking,  burning,  shoot- 
ing pains  on  one  side  of  the  head  or  violent  pressure  in 
the  forehead  at  every  step  or  motion,  increased  by  stoop- 
ing, or  even  by  noise,  or  the  glare  of  light. 

Aconite,  if  accompanied  by  sparkling,  flickering  before 
the  ej'es,  seeing  double,  buzzing  in  the  ears,  frequent  faint- 
ing, stupid,  heavy  sleep ;  if  children  are  teething,  or  when 
girls  have  arrived  at  the  age  of  j^iuberty,  or  if  they  have 
caught  cold  during  menstruation,  particularly  from  wet 
feet ;  Belladonna  may  be  given  afterwards. 

1.  Caused  by  joy  or  excitement. — If  occasioned  by 
excess  of  joy,  or  accompanied  by  great  excitement,  give 
Coffea;  after  a  fright,  Opiwm/  after  vexation,  C/iamomtYfe; 
after  suppressed  vexation,  Jejnatla;  after  anger,  Nux  vomica, 
as  mentioned  before,  when  treating  of  these  causes.  When 
caused  by  a  fall  or  blow  upon  the  head.  Arnica.  The 
bleeding  from  the  nose  which  is  apt  to  accompany  it, 
should  not  be  interfered  with. 

2.  Caused  by  debility. — If  the  determination  of  blood 
is  caused  by  great  debility,  give  Cinchona;  if  it  returns 
each  time  after  taking  cold.  Dulcamara;  if  it  returns  after 
lifting  something  heavy,  or  after  work  in  which  the  arms 
are  raised  and  stretched,  Rhus ;  when  at  the  same  time 
the  patient  perspires  too  easily,  and  too  much,  3Icrcurius; 
if  he  feels  cold,  let  him  smell  camphor  a  few  times.  If, 
in  spite  of  all  these  remedies,  it  returns,  give  Sulphur,  if 
the  patient  has  not  already  had  this  medicine ;  if  so,  give 
Hepar,  and  if  this  fails,  Silicea. 

If  tlie  first  mentioned  medicines  do  not  speedily  afTord  relief,  and  there 
appears  to  be  danger,  make  a  poultice  of  oatmeal  and  wrap  it  quite  warm 
around  the  feet ;  or  bathe  the  feet  in  very  warm  water,  and  repeat  it  fre- 


I 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD  153 

quently  until  there  is  an  improvement,  or  until  a  feeling  of  chilliness  comes 
on  ;  if  the  bowels  are  oooatipated,  give  injectioije  of  milk-wofm  water. 

HEADACHE 

In  the  treatment  of  this  common  complaint,  we  may  frequently  be  guided 
by  the  causes  which  produce  the  pain,  or  by  the  complaints  whicli  accom- 
pany it;  it  is,  luiwcver,  necessary  to  (Oatinguish  the  different  kinds  of  head- 
ache, as  tlie  same  medicine  may  prove  beneficial  or  injurious  under  different 
circumstances. 

1.  Headache  from  determination  op  blood  to  the  head,  or  from 
inflammation,  is  usually  throbbing,  and  is  attended  with  heat,  the  arteries  in 
the  neck  may  be  seen  to  beat;  if  the  pain  increases,  vomiting  ensues;  the 
headache  becomes  worse  after  shaking  or  moving  the  liead,  lying  down  and 
stooping;  sometimes  better  when  standing.  Among  the  domestic  remedies, 
vinegar  is  the  best;  place  crusts  of  bread,  which  have  been  soaked  in  vine- 
gai',  on  the  temples,  and  give  injections  of  warm  water;  if  this  does  not 
afford  relief,  add  some  vinegar  to  the  water ;  bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water, 
and  afterwards  rub  them  with  flannel.  Persons  who  are  liable  to  this  com- 
plaint should  accustom  themselves  to  drink  plenty  of  cold  water,  and  rub 
the  head  every  morning  with  a  cold,  wet  cloth,  particularly  the  forehead 
and  temples,  and  bathe  the  feet  in  cold  water  every  evening  before  going 
to  bed. 

In  such  cases  it  is  customary  with  some  physicians  to  apply  ice,  some- 
times in  a  bladder.  As  cold  water  (if  necessary,  made  cold  by  ice,  and 
applied  to  the  head  with  pieces  of  cloth)  will  afford  all  the  relief  that  can 
be  expected  from  cold  applications,  it  is  just  as  absurd  to  expect  more  from 
ice  as  it  would  be  to  attempt  to  cure  a  headache  which  is  relieved  by  press- 
ure by  knocking  the  patient  on  the  head  with  a  club.  No  patient  ought 
to  allow  his  physician  to  do  such  a  thing ;  the  results  are  always  bad,  and 
sometimes  dangerous. 

Give  Glonoiiie  when  the  attack  comes  suddenly,  where 
the  blood  is  felt  rising  up  into  the  head,  with  severe  beat- 
ing pain,  as  if  bruised ;  worse  when  shaking  the  head ; 
relieved  by  cold  water  applied  externally;  very  rapid 
pulse,  eyes  and  face  red,  or  the  eyes  are  staring  and  glassy, 
the  face  pale  and  moist,  a  buzzing  or  crackling  in  the 
ears. 

Aconite  may  be  given  and  the  vinegar  discontinued, 
when  the  pain  is  very  severe,  with  u  burning  sensation 


154  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

over  the  whole  head,  particularly  in  the  forehead ;  the 
face  red  and  bloated ;  the  eyes  red ;  when  the  pain  is  ac- 
companied by  incoherent  talking  or  raving.  If  there 
should  be  but  little  or  no  improvement,  Belladonna  may 
be  given. 

Belladonna  is  especially  indicated  when  the  pain  is 
deeper  seated,  is  oppressive  and  heavy,  and  the  face  pale 
and  haggard,  with  unconsciousness,  incoherent  talking, 
murmuring,  drowsiness. ' 

Pulsatilla  is  preferable  when  the  pain  is  dull,  oppressive, 
on  one  side  only,  very  harassing  and  weakening;  if  it 
commences  in  the  back  part  of  the  head  or  at  the  root  of 
the  nose,  and  goes  back  into  the  head ;  is  mitigated  by 
pressure ;  is  worse  when  sitting,  better  when  walking ;  if 
the  head  is  heavy,  the  face  pale,  with  dizziness,  agitation, 
inclination  to  cry. 

Rhus,  when  there  is  burning,  throbbing  pain,  with  ful- 
ness of  the  head,  oppressive  weight,  crawling,  shaking  and 
swashing,  as  if  everything  in  the  head  were  loose,  and 
particularly  when  it  comes  on  after  meals. 

If  such  a  headache  ihakes  its  appearance  after  meals, 
with  great  drowsiness,  stiffness,  and  pains  in  the  back  of 
the  neck,  the  speech  being  thick,  or  the  face  distorted,  the 
mouth  drawn  to  one  side,  the  limbs  falling  asleej),  send 
at  once  for  a  physician,  and  until  his  arrival  give  Bella- 
donna or  Nux  vomica,  according  to  the  indications ;  bathe 
the  feet  in  hot  water,  and  otherwise  treat  the  jDatient  as 
recommended  under  "Apoplexy." 

2.  Headache  caused  by  catarrh  is  mostly  in  the 
forehead ;  is  oppressive,  burning,  better  in  the  morning, 
worse  in  the  evening,  the  eyes  being  full  of  tears,  with 
sneezing,  dry  heat  in  the  nose,  frequent  chills,  sometimes 
a  little  cough  ;  .in  this  case  it  is  advisable  to  draw  warm 
salt  water  into  the  nose,  and  drink  cold  water  before 
going  to  bed. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  iOO 

Aconite  should  be  given  for  this  kind  of  headache,  if  it 
is  better  in  the  open  air,  but  worse  when  talking. 

Cina,  if  it  is  worse  in  the  open  air,  when  reading  or 
thinking,  if  it  presses  like  a  weight,  is  drawing  and  tear- 
ing, the  nose  commences  to  run,  burns  or  itches,  and  is 
stopped  up ;  Nux  vomica,  when  the  nose  discharges  freely 
by  day  but  is  stopped  up  at  night;  Arsenicram,  if  there  is 
running  from  the  nose,  the  discharge  being  acrid,  burn- 
ing, if  it  causes  hoarseness,  restlessness,  and  is  accompa- 
nied by  buzzing  in  the  ears,  throbbing  in  the  forehead, 
nausea,  is  better  out  of  doors  or  in  a  warm  room.  Cc2]a, 
if  worse  at  night  and  in  the  room,  better  in  the  open  air, 
with  scintillation  before  the  eyes,  fullness  and  heaviness 
in  the  head,  particularly  in  the  back  of  the  head.  For 
other  remedies,  see  "  Catarrh." 

3.  Headache  from  rheumatism. — Rheumatic  pains 
are  tearing  and  drawing,  changing  their  situation  fre- 
quently, going  to  the  neck,  ears  and  temples.  The  head 
is  sensitive  to  touch,  and  hurts  on  moving  it ;  the  pains 
are  worse  in  bed,  particularly  toward  midnight;  sweating 
often  occurs;  small  swellings  arise  here  and  thei'e;  if 
vomiting  happens,  the  symptoms  are  ameliorated ;  warm 
footbaths  sometimes  help ;  so  does  inhaling  warm  vapor 
through  the  nose,  also  combing  the  hair. 

Chamomilla  is  the  best  remedy.  If  this  fails  to  give  re- 
lief, and  tlie  patient  becomes  peevish  and  angry,  is  very 
restless,  often  changing  his  position,  give  Nux  vomica ;  if 
he  is  obliged  to  lie  still,  groans,  or  screams,  cannot  bear 
light  or  sound,  give  Belladonna;  or  Pulsatilla,  if  he  is 
chillyj  inclined  to  weep  and  is  sick  at  the  stomach. 

Ipecacuanha  will  be  of  service  when  the  pains  are  more 
of  a  gouty  character,  (that  is,  the  gnawing  and  tearing  are 
more  intense)  and  are  relieved  by  heat  and  vomiting. 

Ignatia  when  but  little  relief  is  experienced  from  Ijwcac- 
uanlia,  and  particularly  when  the  worst  pain  is  over  the 


156  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

nose,  or  is  boring,  piercing,  tearing,  deep  in  the  head,  and 
better  when  stooping  or  Ijdng  down. 

Nux  vomica  when  there  are  shooting  pains  in  the  side 
of  the  head ;  worse  in  the  open  air,  or  when  stooping. 

Colocynthis  will  sometimes  relieve  rheumatic  pains  of 
the  severest  kind,  after  the  failure  of  other  remedies,  par- 
ticularly when  hard  pressure  helps;  but  if  relief  is  not 
obtained  from  this  medicine,  drink  some  coffee  without 
milk. 

Sulphur  may  be  used  when  there  is  tearing,  piercing, 
beating  on  one  side  of  the  head,  particularly  if  it  recurs 
every  week,  with  vomiting  and  desire  to  lie  down. 

For  rheumatic  gout  in  the  head,  when  the  pains  are 
tearing  and  beating  all  over  the  head,  with  a  sensation  as 
if  it  were  coming  apart,  with  agitation,  restlessness,  tossing 
about,  nausea,  belching  and  retching.  Ipecacuanha,  Nux 
vomica  or  Bryonia  will  sometimes  afford  speedy  relief,  or 
Sepia  when  these  are  insufficient,  particularly  when  every 
change  of  weather  brings  back  the  headache;  when  there 
is  a  pressing,  burning  pain  which  causes  vomiting. 

4.  Headache  from  disordered  stomach  and  bowels. — When  pro- 
duced by  undigested  food,  strong  cofl'ee  witliout  milk  or  sugar  is  very  useful ; 
but  if  by  a  deranged  stomach,  give  the  remedies  recommended  under  that 
head ;  if  the  bowels  are  constipated,  injections  of  warm  water  will  give  relief. 

Tlie  symptoms  accompanying  this  kind  of  headache  arc:  a  furred  tongue, 
bad  taste,  entire  loss  of  appetite,  nausea  or  vomiting,  coming  on  at  an  early 
stage,  and  increasing  witli  the  pain.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  headache  is 
of  a  neuralgic  character,  it  produces  nausea  and  vomiting  at  a  later  and 
intensely  aggravated  stage.  If  headache  is  the  cause  of  the  sickness  of  the 
Btomach,  give  the  remedies  for  headaclie ;  but  if  the  disordered  stomach  is 
the  cause  of  the  headache,  give  the  remedies  for  disordered  stomach. 

5.  Headache  from  consttpation  with  determination 
of  blood  to  the  head  is  often  relieved  by  Bryonia,  Nux 
vomica  or  Opium. 

Nux  vomica  will  be  indicated  if  walking  or  moving  the 
head  makes  the  brain  feel  sore,  when  there  is  pressure  in 
the  temples,  and  neither  sitting  up  nor  lying  down  gives 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  lo7 

relief;  the  eyes  are  dull,  with  inclination  to  shut  them, 
and  nevertheless  sleeplessness;  the  head  feels  heavy, 
particularly  when  moving  the  eyes;  feeling  as  if  it  would 
burst  during  mental  application;  worse  in  the  morning, 
in  the  open  air,  or  after  meals ;  and  particularly  after  cof- 
fee, or  when  there  is  a  loathing  of  coffee. 

Bryonia  when  tlie  head  feels  as  if  pressed  together  from 
both  sides ;  and  on  stooping,  as  if  everything  would  fall 
out  of  the  forehead;  the  nose  bleeds,  without  affording 
relief;  and  the  eyes  water  and  burn. 

Opium  if  the  jiain  is  violent,  with  a  tearing,  bursting 
sensation  in  the  forehead,  visible  throbbings  in  the  tem- 
ples, considerable  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head,  rest- 
less look  of  the  eyes,  much  thirst,  dryness  of  the  mouth, 
sour  eructations,  inclination  to  vomit,  and  even  foul  and 
offensive  vomiting. 

Mercurius  will  frequently  suit,  after  Opium,  when  the 
head  seems  full  to  bursting,  as  if  tied  with  a  bandage, 
worse  at  night,  tearing,  burning,  boring,  shooting  pain. 

Pulsatilla  when  the  pains  are  only  on  one  side,  with 
little  determination  of  blood,  with  shivering,  no  thirst; 
the  patient  is  of  a  mild  and  quiet  temperament,  inclined 
to  weep,  and  is  agitated. 

Ipecacuanha  if  nausea  begins  when  the  headache  does, 
if  every  part  of  the  head  to  the  verj'  tongue  feels  as  if 
bruised,  if  there  is  vomiting  or  retching.  Vcratrum  will 
be  beneficial  if  continued  costiveness  occasions  a  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head,  with  pains  on  one  side, 
oppressive  throbbing  as  if  the  brain  were  bruised,  with 
sensation  as  if  compressed,  which  also  extends  to  the 
throat,  or  with  stomach-ache,  with  painful  stiffness  of  tlie 
neck,  frequent  emission  of  pale-colored  urine,  nausea  and 
vomiting. 

Lycopodium  and  Sepia  should  also  be  thought  of 

6.  Sick  Headache. — Sanguinaria  will  give  relief  if  the 


158  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

pain  comes  on  periodically,  or  if  it  begins  in  the  morning 
and  lasts  till  night,  with  a  fullness  of  the  head,  as  if  it 
would  split,  or  as  if  the  eyes  were  pressed  outwards;  if  the 
pain  begins  in  the  back  part  of  the  head  and  finally  set- 
tles over  the  right  eye;  or  if  there  is  a  digging,  shooting, 
stinging,  beating  pain  throughout  the  head,  but  more  in 
the  forehead  and  worse  on  the  right  side,  attended  with 
chills,  nausea,  vomiting,  inclination  to  lie  down,  and  if 
the  symptoms  are  made  worse  by  motion. 

Belladonna  is  the  next  best  remedy,  when  the  pains  are 
worse  on  the  right  side,  when  the  external  part  of  the  head 
is  very  sensitive,  the  veins  of  the  head  and  hands  being 
swollen, — painful  sensation  as  of  waves  in  the  head,  buz- 
zing in  the  ears  and  dimness  of  vision.  It  is  likewise 
beneficial  for  the  worst  pains,  extending  to  the  eyes  and 
nose,  in  one  side  of  the  head,  with  a  pressing,  bursting, 
waving,  splashing  sensation,  augmented  by  every  motion, 
by  turning  the  eyes,  by  a  bright  light,  by  every  noise,  the 
sound  of  steps,  in  fact  at  every  concussion ;  when  there  is 
a  jolting  sensation  in  the  head  and  forehead  at  every  step, 
or  on  going  up  stairs;  also  when  the  pain  returns  every 
afternoon,  and  continues  till  after  midnight,  aggravated 
by  the  warmth  of  the  bed,  or  on  Ij'ing  down ;  worse  when 
in  a  draught.  Also,  in  pains  which  commence  very  grad- 
ually, changing  to  an  acute  pain,  affecting  half  the  head; 
sometimes  piercing  momentarily,  but  so  penetrating  and 
severe  as  to  deprive  the  sufferer  of  his  senses. 

Aconite  is  often  indicated,  but  if  it  does  not  relieve  after 
several  hours  give  Belladonna,  after  which  wait  for  some 
hours,  and  if  the  sensation  as  if  water  were  splashing  in 
the  forehead  does  not  gradually  subside,  give  Platinum^ 
l^articularly  if  the  patient  has  a  feeling  of  coldness  in  the 
ears,  the  eyes,  in  one  side  of  the  face,  and  around  the 
mouth,  or  there  is  a  trembling  or  flickering  before  the 
eyes  and  things  look  smaller.  Or  Merciirius  may  follow 
Belladonna  if  the  pain  tears  down  into  the  teeth  and  throat, 


AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    HEAD.  159 

with  shooting  pain  in  the  left  car  only,  or  if  it  is  always 
excessively  violent  during  the  night  with  night-sweats, 
which  do  not  relieve.  After  Mercurius  (sometimes,  also, 
after  Belladonna),  Hepar  will  occasionally  be  beneficial 
where  there  is  a  pain  as  if  a  nail  were  driven  into  the  head, 
violent  boring  in  the  head,  nocturnal  pain  as  if  the  fore- 
head would  burst,  and  if  painful  lumps  appear  on  the 
head. 

Apis  is  best,  if  the  head  feels  too  full  and  too  large,  with 
heaviness  and  pressure  in  it,  especially  when  rising  frofla 
a  sitting  or  lying  position,  always  increased  in  a  large 
room,  and  relieved  by  being  squeezed  with  both  hands; 
also,  if  the  eyes  are  affected;  at  night,  chilliness  from  every 
slight  movement,  face  and  hands  hot;  if  accompanied  by 
nettle-rash,  with  burning,  prickling,  itching,  or  if  the  rash 
suddenly  disappears,  or  if  different  parts  of  the  patient's 
body  are  very  sensitive  to  the  touch. 

In  obstinate  cases,  when  the  pain  is  particularly  violent 
over  the  right  eye,  piercing  and  boring,  so  that  the  patient 
screams,  with  nausea  and  vomiting,  worse  when  shaking 
or  moving  the  head,  even  when  stooping,  give  Sepia.  For 
the  same  pain  on  the  left  side  give  Aconite,  and  if  no  bet- 
ter after  several  hours  Sulphur  or  Silicea. 

Spigelia  is  suitable  for  the  worst  pains  on  the  left  side, 
if  they  are  attended  with  an  insupportable  beating  in  the 
temple,  and  with  pain  in  the  whole  left  side  of  the  head, 
and  sometimes  pain  in  the  face  and  teeth,  increasing  as 
the  sun  mounts  in  the  sky,  or  augmented  by  stooping  and 
motion,  in  the  open  air,  with  the  greatest  sensibility  to  the 
least  noise,  and  if  attended  with  a  fetid  odor  from  the 
mouth. 

In  selecting  a  remedy,  the  following  special  indications 
may  be  taken  as  a  guide : 

Belladonna,  if  the  pain  is  accompanied  with  great  sensi- 
tiveness to  the  light. 

Spigelia,  if  the  pain  is  accompanied  with  great  sensitive- 
ness to  noise. 


160  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

Sangurnaria,  if  the  pain  is  accompanied  with  great  sen- 
sitiveness to  the  walking  of  others  in  the  room. 

Sulphur  or  Aconite,  if  the  pain  is  accompanied  with  great 
sensitiveness  to  all  kinds  of  odors. 

Sepia,  if  the  patient  dislikes  to  be  touched,  complains  of 
his  bed,  is  very  sensitive  to  and  made  worse  by  thunder- 
storms; cold  air,  vexations,  etc. 

7.  Nervous  Headache. — The  head  is  generally  cool,  the  face  pale;  in 
thg  beginning  the  patient  sometimes  passes  colorless  urine ;  vomiting  gives 
relief;  the  headache  returns  frequently  on  one  side  only,  or  is  boring,  as  if 
produced  b)'  a  nail,  in  particular  spots ;  touching  the  Iiead  increases  the 
pain.  Lying  down  quietly  in  a  dark  room  mitigates  the  pain  during  the 
paroxysms;  it  may  be  prevented  by  frequently  washing  in  cold  water,  by 
rubbing  and  brushing  the  skin,  and  by  using  the  medicines  indicated  below. 
Drinking  cofTee  is  so  injurious  in  this  kind  of  headache,  even  if  it  should 
give  relief  during  the  attack,  that  the  patient  must  abstain  from  it  entirely. 

Coffea  will  give  relief  in  violent,  drawing,  pressing  pains 
on  one  side  of  the  head,  as  if  a  nail  were  driven  into  it; 
or,  as  if  the  brain  were  shattered,  crushed  and  torn,  re- 
curring on  the  slightest  occasion,  after  close  thinking, 
vexation,  taking  cold,  eating  too  much,  etc.,  with  a  distaste 
for  coffee,  sensitiveness  to  the  least  noise,  even  music;  the 
pains  appear  intolerable,  making  the  patient  fretful ;  he 
is  almost  beside  himself,  shrieks  and  cries,  tosses  about, 
feels  much  agitated,  dreads  the  fresh  air,  and  is  chilly. 
This  remedy  may  be  repeated  frequently,  and  sometimes 
it  may  be  followed  by  Nux  vomica  or  Cinchona,  and  some- 
times Ignatia  or  Pulsatilla. 

Aconite  often  proves  efficacious  when  the  pains  are  most 
violent ;  when  the  patient  lies  unconscious ;  likewise  with 
retching,  crying  and  lamenting,  and  apprehensive  of 
death;  the  least  noise  or  motion  is  intolerable;  the  pulse 
very  weak  and  small,  stopping  at  intervals ;  particularly 
when  the  pain  is  throbbing,  shooting,  or  like  cramp  over 
the  nose,  aggravated  by  the  conversation  of  others ;  also 
in  headache  from  cold,  with  catarrh,  buzzing  in  the  ears 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  IGl 

and  pains  in  the  abdomen ;  with  the  disagreeable  sensa- 
tion as  if  a  ball  were  rising  up  into  the  head,  producing 
a  sensation  as  of  cool  air. 

Jgnatla  will  relieve  a  pressing  pain  above  the  nose,  which 
is  mitigated  by  bending  forward ;  pressing  from  within 
outward,  twitching  and  throbbing;  tearing  in  the  forehead, 
as  if  a  nail  were  driven  through  the  head,  piercing,  boring 
deep  into  the  brain;  with  nausea,  darkness  before  the 
eyes,  aversion  to  light,  pale  face,  profuse  colorless  urine; 
the  pains  often  cease  for  a  time  when  the  position  is 
changed,  and  frec^uently  returns  after  meals,  at  night 
after  lying  down,  in  the  morning  after  getting  up;  the 
patient  being  very  nervous,  fickle-minded,  taciturn  and 
dejected.  According  to  Goullou,  if  in  delicate  females 
the  headache  causes  twitching. 

Veratruni  is  frequently  of  use  in  nervous  headache; 
when  there  is  painful  sensitiveness  of  the  scalp:  when 
accompanied  by  diarrhoea,  and  the  pains  are  so  severe 
that  tlie  patient  almost  loses  his  reason,  becomes  very 
weak  and  faint,  is  M'orse  on  getting  up  after  lying  down, 
.with  cold  perspiration,  chills  and  thirst.  For  other  symp- 
toms see  Veratrum  under  "  Headache  from  Constipation." 
Pulsatilla  will  remove  the  tearing  pains  which  grow 
worse  in  the  evening,  or  are  throbbing  and  tingling,  after 
rising  in  tlie  morning,  and  in  the  evening  after  lying 
down;  with  jerking,  shooting,  tearing  in  the  temples,  par- 
ticularly when  the  pain  is  confined  to  one  side  of  the 
head,  and  is  accompanied  by  frequent  giddiness,  sickness 
of  the  stomach,  heaviness  of  the  head,  dimness  of  sight, 
aversion  to  light;  buzzing  in  the  ears,  or  shooting,  jerk- 
ing and  tearing;  pale,  distressed  countenance,  no  a2>pe- 
tite,  no  thirst;  chilliness  and  agitation,  with  occasional 
bleeding  of  the  nose,  and  j^alpitation  of  the  heart;  when 
all  the  symptoms  are  worse  when  at  rest  or  sitting,  and 
become  better  in  the  fresh  air;  when  the  headache  is  re- 
lieved by  pressure  or  a  tight  bandage.  It  answers  best 
with  mild,  good  naturcd  jiersons. 
11 


1G2  AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    HEAD.    . 

Bryonia  is  good  for  burning  and  oppressive  pains  in  the 
head,  or  when,  while  stooping,  it  seems  as  if  everything 
would  fall  out  of  the  forehead;  worse  when  walking;  or 
more  external  tearing,  extending  to  face  and  temples,  or 
pressing,  boring,  tearing  in  small  spots,  especially  in  per- 
sons suffering  from  rheumatism,  and  of  a  petulant,  pas- 
sionate temper.  Rhus  will  frequently  be  found  of  service 
after  Bryonia. 

Nux  moschata,  if  the  brain  feels  loose  and  wabbling  when 
shaking  the  head;  worse  after  every  meal,  particularly 
after  breakfast;  with  sleepiness;  if  one  cannot  bear  any 
pressure  on  the  temples,  not  even  Ipng  on  them;  if  the 
pain  goes  from  right  to  left;  if  better  from  warmth ;  worse 
from  cold,  particularly  from  wet  cold  weather;  and  for 
sensitive,  inconstant  people. 

Nux  vomica,  as  before  mentioned,  is  suitable  for  head- 
ache from  constipation  and  from  coffee  drinking;  also 
when  the  pain  resembles  the  piercing  of  a  nail,  or  stitch- 
ing jerks,  with  nausea  and  sour  vomiting;  when  there  is 
a  shooting  and  oppressive  sensation  on  one  side,  begin- 
ning early  in  the  morning,  and  growing  worse  and  worse,- 
until  the  patient  seems  to  be  unconscious  or  half  crazy; 
when  the  brain  feels  as  if  rent  asunder,  and  the  face 
becomes  pale  and  distorted,  the  head  heavy,  with  a  buzz- 
ing noise  and  giddiness  or  trembling  when  walking; 
worse  when  moving  even  the  eyes,  in  the  open  air,  early  in 
the  morning,  after  meals,  or  when  stooping;  also  when 
the  head  is  externally  painful,  and  worse  in  cold  weather. 

ChamomiUa  relieves  pains  in  the  head  which  are  caused 
by  a  cold,  or  by  drinking  coffee,  when  there  is  a  rending 
or  drawing  pain  on  one  side,  extending  to  the  jaw;  acute, 
shooting  pains  in  the  temples,  heaviness  over  the  nose,  or 
very  troublesome  throbbing ;  particularly  when  one  cheek 
is  red  and  the  other  pale,  or  the  whole  face  turgid ;  when 
the  eyes  are  painful,  attended  by  a  sore  throat  or  cold  on 
the  lungs,  or  a  bitter,  offensive  taste.     It  is  useful  for  chil- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  1G3 

dren,  and  for  persons  unable  to  bear  the  least  pain,  and 
quite  unmanageable. 

Cinchona  is  most  suitable  for  sensitive  persons,  and 
■when  the  pain  is  oppressive,  and  prevents  them  from 
sleeping  at  night,  or  \vhen  there  is  tearing  in  the  temples, 
as  if  the  head  were  bursting ;  boring  in  the  top  of  the 
head  whilst  the  brain  feels  as  if  bruised;  jerking,  tearing, 
rolling  and  bursting;  worse  when  stepping,  at  every 
motion,  and  on  opening  the  ej^es ;  relieved  by  lying  down 
and  being  quiet;  the  skin  is  tender  to  the  touch.  For 
discontented  persons;  stubborn,  disobedient  children, 
who  are  fond  of  dainties,  and  have  a  pale  complexion ; 
face  red  and  hot  only  at  times,  when  they  become  very 
talkative,  or  are  restless  the  whole  night.  It  often  suits 
after  Coffea. 

Antimonium  crudum  may  be  given  for  nervous  headache 
resulting  from  a  disorded  stomach  or  a  cold,  or  when  an 
eruption  has  been  driven  in,  and  pains  ensue;  particu- 
larly when  they  are  in  the  bones;  for  dull  boring  pains 
in  the  temples  and  forehead,  also  rending  and  tearing; 
the  pains  are  relieved  in  the  open  air,  aggravated  on 
going  up  stairs.  It  answers  well  after  Pulsatilla,  when 
the  disorder  of  the  stomach  is  obstinate,  or  when  the 
headache  causes  the  hair  to  fall  out. 

Colocyntlds  is  efficacious  in  the  most  excruciating  head- 
ache, furiously  tearing  or  when  the  pain  is  on  one  side, 
tearing,  oppressive,  squeezing,  pressing  in  the  forehead,- 
aggravated  by  stooping  and  lying  on  the  back ;  in  attacks 
coming  every  afternoon  or  towards  evening,  on  the  left 
side,  with  gi'eat  restlessness  and  agitation;  particularly 
when  the  perspiration  smells  like  urine,  with  small  or 
offensive  discharges  of  urine;  while  during  the  pain,  the 
discharge  of  urine  is  considerable  and  very  clear. 

Capsicum,  for  throbbing  headache,  or  that  which  is  dis- 
tending, bursting,  pressing  outwards,  worse  when  walking 
or  moving;  tingling,  tearing  when  at  rest;  M'hen  moving 


164  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD. 

the  head  or  eyes  and  stooi)ing  aggravate  it,  also  worse  in 
the  open  air  and  in  tlie  cold;  with  jjhlegmatic  sluggish 
persons,  who  easily  take  offence,  or  with  children  who  are 
very  refractory,  clumsy  and  awkward;  particularly  such 
as  are  afraid  of  the  air  and  of  exercise,  and  are  chilly, 
especially  after  drinking. 

When  the  above  medicines  do  not  aflbrd  relief,  try  the  following : — 

Sulphur  for  throbbing,  gurgitating,  tearing  jjaius,  with  heat,  principally  in 
the  morning  and  evening;  with  nausea,  worse  in  the  open  air,  better  within 
doors ;  tearing,  with  a  stunning  sensation  and  pressure ;  it  returns  weekly ; 
loss  of  hair  after  suppressed  cutaneous  eruptions,  ulcers,  or  perspiration. 

Arsenicum  for  the  same  kind  of  pains,  if  worse  within  doors  and  better  in 
the  open  air. 

Silicea  also,  for  beating,  llirobbing  pains,  with  lient  and  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head;  when  caused  by  exertion,  s]ieaking  or  stooping,  with 
nightly  pains  from  the  neck  to  the  top  of  the  head ;  for  tearing  pain  every 
forenoon;  when  everything  lias  a  tendency  towards  the  forehead  and  eyes; 
when  swellings  appear  on  the  head,  the  hair  falls  out,  the  skin  is  very  sen- 
sitive, the  pain  extending  to  the  nose  or  face,  with  perspiration  of  the  head. 

Calcarea,  according  to  GouUon,  for  children  or  young  people  who  have 
vertigo,  which  is  worse  when  stooping,  and  it  becomes  dark  before  the  eyes; 
particularly  if  Belladonna  has  been  insufficient. 

Sepia  for  piercing,  boring  or  throbbing  headache,  chiefly  about  the  tem- 
ples, or  under  one  frontal  protuberance,  which  pains  at  tlie  slightest  touch, 
compelling  tlie  patient  to  scream ;  nausea  and  vomiting,  worse  from  the 
slightest  motion,  better  when  keeping  very  still ;  in  the  dark,  with  closed 
eyes,  desire  to  sleep,  which  soon  follows,  and  after  sleeping  for  some  time 
the  headache  ceases. 

Violent  headache,  with  great  weakness,  indifference  and  despondency 
often  indicates  the  approach  of  a  dangerous  disease  wliich  may  be  pre- 
vented either  by  Verairum,  Arsenicum,  Phosphoric  acid  or  Arnica. 

9.  Headache  CArsED  by  sdppbession  of  kheumatism,  gout,  erup- 
tions, ETC.  AVhen  rheumatism,  gout,  erysipelas,  eruptions  or  ulcers  have 
lieen  suppressed,  a  dangerous  headache  sometimes  follows,  which  ought  not 
to  be  neglected.  Give  remedies  recommended  in  these  complaints;  and 
examine,  at  the  same  time,  what  has  been  said  in  the  preceding  pages  rela- 
tive to  medicines  for  headache. 

If,  in  consequence  of  the  suppression  of  the  eruption  in  scarlet  fever,  ery- 
sipelas, measles,  etc.,  pains  in  the  head  ensue,  which  very  soon  make  the 
patient  unconscious,  or  if  these  symptoms  occur  in  fever  attendant  on  a 
cold  in  the  head,  when  the  discharge  from  the  nose  has  been  suppressed,  or 
from  diflicult  dentitiou  in  'jhildren — there  is  no  time  to  be  lost. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    HEAD.  1(15 

For  this  condition  give  Cuprum  metallieuni.  In  any 
such  case,  however,  procure  a  homoeopathic  practitioner, 
if  possible. 

Pain  seated  deeply  in  the  sockets  of  the  eyes  and  acute 
shooting  pain  through  the  brain,  accompanied  by  weak- 
ness of  the  eyes,  are  symptoms  of  approaching  blindness. 
If  neither  Belladonna  nor  Sulphur  give  relief,  apply  with- 
out delay  to  a  homoeopathic  physician. 

When  a  pain  always  re-appears  in  the  same  spot,  deep  in  the  brain,  and 
there  is  on  the  other  side  of  the  body  paralysis,  crawling,  jerking,  or  similar 
symptoms,  it  can  scarcely  be  cured — but  apply  to  a  physician. 

When  aged  persons  Iiave  continual  headache,  and  at  the  same  time  pass 
but  little  urine,  which  is  tliick,  turViid  and  offensive,  it  forbodes  no  good. 
They  must  drink  freely  of  water,  rub  the  skin  well  with  a  wet  towel,  and 
apply  to  a  physician. 

For  scald  head,  eruptions  in  tlie  face,  etc.,  see  "Eruptions." 


FALLING  OUT  OF  THE  HAIR. 

Loss  of  hair,  which  is  immediately  replaced  by  a  new  growth,  requires 
no  other  remedy  than  frequent  washing,  brushing,  and  combing ;  but  if  it 
becomes  tliinner  have  it  cut  a  little  once  a  month.  Washing  the  head  fre- 
quently in  cold  water,  particularly  in  the  evening,  and  afterwards  binding 
a  handkerchief  around  the  head,  will  be  of  service  when  the  hair  is  getting 
tliin.  If  the  hair  is  too  dry,  oil,  grease,  ointment  and  pomatum  are  injuri- 
ous ;  boil  wheat  bran,  strain  it,  and  wash  the  head  once  a  week  with  the 
decoction. 

A  thin  lye  made  from  the  ashes  of  beech  wood,  is  efficacious  in  some  in- 
stances wliere  the  hair  is  dry,  or  where  there  is  dandruff  either  loose  or  ad- 
hering very  closely.  It  may  be  used  by  dipping  a  fine  tooth-comb  or  a 
sponge  into  it,  cleansing  the  head  afterwards  witli  cold  water.  When  the 
hair  splits,  it  may  be  advisable  to  use  a  little  grease  or  oil — bear's  grease  is 
best — and  to  trim  the  ends  every  other  day  as  long  as  the  moon  is  increas- 
ing. When  single  bald  spots  appear  it  may  at  times  be  serviceable  to 
shave  them  and  part  of  the  surrounding  hair;  if  this  does  not  succeed  after 
a  fortnight's  trial,  rub  the  spot  once  a  week  with  a  sliced  onion  in  the  eve- 
ning, or  with  the  pomatum  mentioned  below.  When  persons  become  bald 
after  severe  illness,  washing  the  head  morning  and  evening  with  pure  spring 
water  is  very  serviceable.  If  the  baldness  is  hereditary,  all  attempts  at 
preserving  the  hair  are  often  useless. 

AVhen  baldness  appears  in  early  life,  the  following  iwmatum  is  very  use- 


166  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 

ful:  melt  the  marrow  out  of  beef  lioncsW  the  fire,  put  a  single  drop  of  tinct- 
ure of  cantharides  into  a  saucer,  stirring  and  beating  up  all  the  time;  with 
this  mixture  rub  the  bald  spots  once  every  third  or  fourth  evening. 

If  the  hair  falls  out  from  debilitating  causes,  give  Cinchona,  and  after- 
wards Ferrum.  Also,  for  clammy  sweat  of  the  scalp.  Cinchona  is  sometimes 
of  service.  If  the  hair  falls  out  in  consequence  of  profuse  perspiration, 
ifcrcurius  may  be  given.  After  the  use  of  quinine  or  bark,  give  Belladorma; 
after  mercury,  Separ  or  Carbo  vegetabilis;  after  much  grief  and  trouble, 
Staphisagria  or  Phosphoric  cu;id. 

After  inflammatory  diseases  and  nervous  fevers,  Hepar,  Silieea  or  Lyco- 
podiuvi;  in  chronic  headache  of  a  hysterical  or  g-outy  kind,  witli  great  sen- 
sitiveness of  the  scalp,  Hcpar  or  Lachesis  ;  in  frequent  headache  arising  from 
chronic  disorders  of  the  bowels,  Lycopodium,  which  is  also  beneficial  when 
the  headache  is  attended  with  itching,  and  where  there  is  nnich  dandrutt 

If  all  these  remedies  fail  to  prevent  the  loss  of  hair,  take  one  drop  of 
laurel  oil,  or  oil  of  bitter  almonds,  and  mix  it  gradually  with  two  table- 
spoonfuls  of  beef's  miOirow,  melted  over  the  fire,  or  still  better  with  oU  of 
sweet  almonds.  Of  this  pomatum  take  very  little  on  your  fingers  and  pass 
them  through  the  hair.  Women  are  liable  to  lose  their  hair  either  from 
keeping  it  untied  at  night,  or  from  tying  it  too  tightly. 


CHAPTER  II. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  EYES. 


GENERAL  REMARKS. 

All  kinds  of  eye-water,  s.ilves  and  ointments  injure  the  eyes ;  almost  all 
of  them  contain  more  or  less  strong  poison,  and  if  they  accideutly  cure  one 
disease,  in  most  cases  a  new  and  worse  complaint  makes  its  appearance, 
sooner  or  later.  Those  who  value  their  eyes  ought  to  shun  these  poisonous 
and  utterly  useless  things;  remedies  taken  internally  will  generally  eflect 
a  cure — particularly  when  the  eyes  have  not  been  injured  by  quackery. 
The  most  common  of  these  remedies,  lead-water,  as  all  experienced  ocu- 
lists know,  produces  white  spots  on  the  eyes,  which  it  is  almost  impossible 
to  remove. 

Pure  cold  water,  as  ■in  external  remedy,  is  the  only  wholesome  eye-water; 
it  does  good  in  many  cases  when  the  eyes  are  painful,  red,  and  burning, 
when  there  is  cough  or  cold  in  the  head ;  also  in  chronic  affections  of  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    EYES.  1G7 

eyes,  with  great  aversion  to  light — growing  worse  on  tlie  slightest  exposure 
— particularly  to  cold  winds,  or  in  cold  wet  weather.  It  may  be  used  by 
washing  tJie  eyes  frequently,  or  in  acute  inflammations  Tjy  applying  cloths 
which  have  Ijeen  wet  with  it  and  clianging  them  before  they  can  get  warm ; 
the  alternating  «ild  and  warmth  which  occurs  when  the  applications  are 
not  renewed  often,  are  worse  than  wlien  no  cold  is  used  at  all.  In  all  cases 
wlien  the  patient;  caimot  bear  cold  water,  or  when  it  proves  useless,  and 
when  not  merely  burning,  and  a  sensation  as  if  there  was  sand  in  the  eyes, 
accomijanied  by  intolerance  of  light,  are  present ;  but  when  there  are  also 
violent  pains  and  a  discharge  of  acrid  tears,  lukewarm  water  will  be  prefer- 
able, applied  either  on  a  linen  rag  or  by  means  of  bread  which  has  been 
soaked  in  it,  renewing  the  application  whenever  the  pain  increases.  When 
the  eyes  are  very  drv,  and  the  eyelids  close  spsismodically,  fresh  olive  oil 
is  very  useful.  As  a  rule,  it  is  injurious  to  use  grease  or  salves  of  any  kind 
as  they  become  rancid  and  acrid. 

Wlien  erysi])elas  afiects  the  eyes,  which  may  be  known  by  the  redness 
which  spreads  far  around  them,  nothing  wet  should  be  applied,  but  instead, 
warm  bags,  filled  with  bran  or  cotton  wool.  If  caused  by  poisoning  by  su- 
mach nothing  must  be  applied  externally ;  give  the  remedies  internally 
prescriljcd  for  the  poisoning. 

When  a  salve  is  insisted  upon,  take  the  white  of  a  fresh  egg,  beat  it  with 
a  teasixjonful  of  the  finest  loaf  sugar  and  a  little  camphor  to  a  froth,  and  put 
it  on  tlie  eye,  or  else  pure  vaseline  can  be  used.  The  most  rapid  cure,  how- 
ever, can  he  eflected  by  the  following  remedies,  dispensing  with  the  salves. 


INFLAMMATION  AND  SWELLING  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

The  eyelids  are  sometimes  red,  inflamed  and  swelled,  when 
the  ej-e-balls  are  not  affected.  For  red,  hard  swelhng, 
with  burning  heat  and  dryness,  give  Aconite;  if  the  eye- 
hds  are  pah',  or  yellowish-red,  swelled,  shining  as  if  trans- 
parent, burning,  with  tension,  and  copious  secretion  from 
the  eyes  and  nose,  and  there  is  much  heat  and  restlessness, 
Aconite  is  also  the  first  medicine:  if  not  completely  cured 
in  a  couple  of  days,  give  Apis,  which  is  particularly  suit- 
able for  every  watery  swelling,  like  erysipelas,  around  the 
eyes ;  eyelids  swollen  and  sticking  together ;  with  a  feel- 
ing of  much  matter  in  the  eyes ;  much  itching,  and  feel- 
ing as  if  chapped,  burning  and  piercing  pain,  which  is  re- 
lieved by  the  application  of  cold  water;  in  case  the  pressing 
pain  remains,  or  the  lids  feel  sore  and  as  if  bruised,  Hepar. 


168  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 

When  the  swelling  is  great,  and  the  lids  are  much  in- 
flamed and  cpntinue  red  and  hot,  there  is  violent  burn- 
ing, and  mucus  and  pus  exude,  Sulphur  is  preferable  to 
Hepar,  particularly  if  the  eyelids  are  contracted  in  the 
morning  and  the  patient  cannot  endure  the  light. 

If  no  immediate  improvement  takes  place,  repeat  the 
Aconite,  which  will  then  have  more  effect.  If  Hepar  has 
been  given  without  producing  any  result,  particularly 
when  the  eyelids  burn  and  itch,  and  are  swelled  and  red 
— when  they  stick  together  and  bleed  when  opened — 
when  the  edges  are  everted  or  the  lids  feels  heavy  and  as 
if  23aralysed,  give  Belladonna. 

When  the  eyelids  are  inflamed  inside,  red  and  painful, 
burning  violently,  and  the  eyes  can  scarcely  be  opened, 
give  Arsenicum,  but  if  they  seem  to  be  forcibly  closed,  are 
swelled,  difficult  to  open,  and  the  pain  is  more  cutting, 
with  the  edges  ulcerated  and  scabs  on  the  outside,  give 
Mercurius;  and  should  it  not  produce  a  favorable  change, 
Hq)ar. 

Graphites  should  be  given  when  there  exists  together 
with  the  soreness  of  the  lids  a  moist  eruption  on  the  face 
or  behind  the  ears ;  the  corners  of  the  eyelids  crack  and 
bleed  when  they  are  opened;  and  edges  of  the  lids  are 
covered  with  scabs  or  scales,  or  are  ulcerated. 

Rhus  is  particularly  efficacious  in  inflammation  of  the 
inner  surface  of  the  eyelids — which  occurs  in  infants,  and 
in  older  children — when  the  eyelids  are  closed  as  if  by 
spasm,  and  when  forced  asunder,  a  thick,  red  swelling 
appears,  and  a  secretion  of  mucus  of  a  yellow  color,  or  of 
pus,  is  discharged. 

Euphrasia  is  beneficial  in  the  ordinary  cases  of  chronic 
inflammation  of  the  eyelids,  which  itch  in  the  daytime 
and  stick  together  at  night,  are  red  and  somewhat  swelled, 
the  edges  ulcerated,  exuding  moisture  or  pus,  with  wink- 
ing, dread  of  light,  constant  coryza,  accompanied  some- 
times by  a  severe  headache  and  by  heat  in  the  head. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    EYES.  169 

Nux  vomica  when  the  edges  of  the  lids  burn  and  itch, 
feeling  very  sore  when  touched,  and  adhere  towards  morn- 
ing. Nux  vomica  may  be  used  with  advantage  after  Eu- 
phrasia, and  Pulsatilla  after  Nux  vomica. 

Mcrcurim  should  be  given  when  the  lids  turn  outwards, 
and  there  is  pricking,  burning  and  itching,  or  when  there 
is  no  f)ain.  It  may  be  followed,  if  necessary,  by  Hepar  or 
Belladonna. 

If  these  remedies  fail,  and  the  lids  are  quite  red,  with 
some  mucus  in  the  corners  of  the  eyes,  the  eyes  sensitive 
to  the  light,  and  a  pricking  pain  in  them,  give  Antimonium 
crud.  When  the  lids  burn  and  smart,  particularly  when 
reading,  and  Sulphur  affords  partial  relief,  let  Calcarea  be 
taken ;  when  there  is  a  sense  of  crawling  on  the  inside  of 
the  lids,  increased  in  the  evening  with  flow  of  tears,  C«it7iona. 
If  the  wings  of  the  nose  are  harder  than  usual,  give  Thuya. 

For  biting,  itching  and  stiffness  in  the  lids,  as  if  para- 
-lyzed,  give  Rhus;  or  for  spasmodic  contraction  and  closing, 
Htjoscyamus;  when  the  upper  lids  feel  as  heavy  as  lead, 
.give  Chamomilla;  if  there  is  considerable  dryness,  also 
flow  of  tears,  with  difficulty  in  moving  the  lids  and  heat, 
give  Vcratrum.  In  all  cases  the  edges  of  the  eyelids  should 
be  carefully  examined  to  see  whether  the  itching  does  not 
proceed  from  small  red  maggots  or  flat  brown  lice,  which 
in  that  case  will  also  be  found  in  the  eyebrows.  These 
must  be  picked  off  with  delicate  tweezers  or  a  needle  and 
the  eyelid  rubbed  with  sweet  oil  and  alcohol. 

If  the  formation  of  scabs  on  the  edges  of  the  litis  is  considerable,  a  small 
quantity  of  cosmoline  may  be  rubbed  very  carefully  each  night  along  the 
line  of  the  eyelashes,  and  care  should  be  taken  in  the  morning  to  wash  the 
edges  so  well  with  warm  water  that  all  the  scabs  may  be  removed. 


STYES  ON  THE  EYELIDS. 

Styes  on  the  eyelids  may  generally  be  cured  l)y  PulmtiUa, 
and  often  disappear  soon  after  taking  it.     If  niueli  in- 


170  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 

flamed  and  painful,  Hepar,  afterwards  Silicea,  and  repeat 
this  as  soon  as  there  is  the  slightest  sign  of  its  appearing 
again.  Cold  water  is  injurious ;  a  warm  poultice  of  bread 
and  milk  left  on  during  the  night  is  better.  If  tliey  ap- 
pear often,  or  leave  hard  lumps  behind,  or  do  not  open, 
but  become  indurated,  particularly  when  the  eyes  are  apt 
to  glue  together,  with  biting  and  burning  in  the  corners, 
where  a  dry  secretion  forms  constantly,  give  jS'tap/u'sa^'ria; 
should  induration  remain,  give,  after  a  week  or  two,  C'al- 
carea  or  Sepia. 

Thuya  will  also  cure  obstinate  indurations  in  the  eye- 
lid, particularly  if  the  corners  are  hot  and  dry,  or  there 
is  a  great  flow  of  tears,  when  in  the  open  air. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYES. 

In  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  or  sore  eyes,  when  not  only 
the  lid  but  the  eye  itself  is  affected,  or  the  latter  alone. 

Aconite  is  generally  the  best  remedy,  particularly  when 
the  comjilaint  comes  on  suddenly,  and  increases  rapidly 
— when  the  wliole  eyeball  is  red,  or  full  of  red  vessels, 
weeps  much,  and  is  very  painful;  if  the  eyes  feel  dry  or 
the  pain  is  violent. 

Apis,  if  there  is  jerking  and  twitching  in  the  eye-balls, 
particularly  in  the  left  one,  worse  at  night.  Also  for  in- 
flammation of  the  eyes,  with  a  piercing  and  boring  pain 
in  the  head  that  shoots  towards  the  eyes ;  with  great  dread 
of  light,  or  vanishing  of  sight  ai^d  whirling  before  the 
eyes  when  they  are  at  all  strained ;  with  pricking,  boring, 
stitching  pains  in  the  weeping,  red  eyes;  the  lids,  particu- 
larly the  upper,  are  swollen  and  dropsical. 
-  Nux  vomica,  when  the  corners  of  the  lids  are  more  red 
than  the  eyes,  or  the  latter  are  bloodshot  and  smart  as  if 
there  was  salt  in  them— when  they  burn,  with  a  feeling  as 
if  there  were  sand  in  them,  and  there  is  increased  flow  of 
tears — the  patient  cannot  bear  the  daylight,  particularly 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES.  171 

in  the  morning;  these  symptoms  are  usually  combined 
with  fever,  which  is  worse  in  the  morning  and  evening. 

Chamomilla,  particularly  for  children,  when  there  is 
pricking,  pressing,  burning  in  the  eyes,  as  if  heat  were 
radiating  from  them ;  they  are  swelled  and  closed  in  the 
morning,  or  very  dry,  the  patient  being  much  irritated 
by  the  pain. 

Belladonna,  when  the  white  of  the  eye  is  quite  red,  or 
large  red  blood-vessels  can  be  seen;  much  heat,  a  dis- 
charge of  sharp,  burning  tears,  or  when  the  eyes  are  quite 
dry  and  much  affected  by  the  light — when  the  pains  are 
paroxysmal  or  deep-seated,  accompanied  by  a  catarrh  so 
severe  as  to  make  the  nose  sore ;  pimples  about  the  nose 
and  mouth,  face  red,  a  short,  dry,  asthmatic  and  spas- 
modic cough,  coming  on  in  paroxysms  which  last  for 
some  time. 

Argentum  nitricum,  especially  indicated  when  the  dis- 
charge from  the  eyes  is  thick  like  cream  and  quite  pro- 
fuse. Should  this  remedy  not  prove  sufficient,  Pulsatilla 
must  be  given  afterward,  or  it  may  be  given  when  the 
discharge  is  bland,  whitish  and  quite  profuse,  with  much 
lachrymation  by  day,  and  particularly  if  the  patient  is  of 
the  female  sex. 

3I(rcurius  is  useful  when  the  flow  of  tears  is  profuse, 
burning  and  excoriating,  and  the  matter  discharged  is 
thin  and  acrid,  making  the  lids  and  cheeks  red  and  sore. 
The  pains  in  and  about  the  eyes  are  worse  at  night,  and 
the  glare  of  a  fire  or  of  the  lamplight  is  very  distressing. 

Sulphur  is  often  called  for :  the  patients  are  feverish  and 
restless  at  night,  and  there  are  frequently  sharp,  darting 
pains  like  pins  piercing  the  eye.  It  is  well  many  times 
when  the  .apparently  indicated  medicine  does  no  good,  to 
give  a  few  doses  of  Sulphur,  and  then  return  to  the  former 
remedy. 

Euphrasia,  when  there  is  a  feeling  of  pressure  in  the 
eyes;  increased  secretion  of  mucus  and  acrid  tears;  M'hen 


172  DISEASES   OF   THE    EYES. 

the  lids  are  contracted,  and  the  oye  is  very  red;  accom- 
panied with  bad  headache  and  bland  catarrli  in  the  even- 
ing. Also  when  there  is  more  pain  than  redness,  partic- 
ularly a  pressing  pain,  dread  of  all  light. 

Cepa  if  there  is  much  flow  of  bland  tears;  redness, 
itching,  pricking,  burning,  biting  in  the  eyes;  itching 
heat  and  swelling  around  the  eyes,  with  acrid  discharge 
from  the  nose,  and  headache. 

If  Nux  vomica  has  not  been  given  before,  it  is  often  in- 
dicated after  other  remedies,  particularly  if  great  sensi- 
tiveness remains. 

When  there  is  much  discharge  from  the  eyes,  particularly  with  infants, 
they  must  be  washed  with  tepid  water  very  frequently,  and  unless  all  the 
discharge  is  in  this  way  removed,  a  small  syringe  may  be  used  to  inject 
water  gently  between  the  partly  opened  lids.  The  precaution  should  always 
be  most  carefully  observed,  that  patients  suffering  from  sore  eyes  do  not 
use  tlie  same  towels  that  others  employ,  for  frequently  the  disease  is 
contagious. 


EYES  AFFECTED  BY  SCROFULA  (SCROFULOUS 
OPHTHALMIA). 

Many  complaints  of  the  eyes  arise  from  scrofula,  which  may  be  distin- 
guished by  the  symptoms  enumerated  under  the  medicines  mentioned  below ; 
we  meet  with  them  in  children  who  sufl'er  from  this  complaint,  or  in  grown 
persons  who  have  suffered  with  scrofula  in  their  childhood.  When  this 
disease  has  once  weakened  the  eyes,  they  are  lialjle  to  relapses  from  cold 
and  other  causes,  and  cloudiness  of  the  eye  and  ulcers  on  the  ball  of  the  eye 
are  much  more  frequent. 

Pulsatilla  often  suits  in  the  beginning,  when  the  mar- 
gins of  the  eyelids  become  red,  burn,  and  a  secretion  of 
pus  causes  them  to  adhere;  when  there  is  a  profuse  flow 
of  tears,  which  are  so  acrid  as  to  make  the  cheeks  sore,  or 
a  watery  swelling  appears;  when  the  eyes  cannot  bear  the 
light.  If  it  gives  relief,  but  does  not  effect  a  complete 
cure,  give  Fcrrum. 

Belladonna  if  there  is  a  sensation  of  severe  pressure  in 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES.  173 

the  eyes,  which  is  worse  when  they  are  turned  upward; 
M-hen  many  red  vessels  can  be  seen,  and  pustules  and 
ulcers  appear  on  the  eye-ball  (the  cornea) ;  when  catarrh 
and  other  symptoms  already  mentioned  under  Belladonna 
accompany  the  disease,  and  it  arises  from  a  cold,  or  from 
dam}}  wind  or  from  wet  cold  weather. 

Mcrcvrius  for  children  who  have  not  yet  taken  any 
mercury;  when  the  pains  are  cutting,  particularly  on 
straining  the  eyes,  worse  in  the  evening  and  in  the  warm 
bed;  from  heat  or  extreme  cold;  burning  and  biting  in 
the  open  air,  the  eyes  full  of  tears,  light  insuflerable,  pai'- 
ticularly  lump-light  or  the  glare  of  the  fire ;  the  cornea 
clouded;  or  small  pustules  or  ulcers  make  their  apjiear- 
ance  on  the  cornea,  and  return  with  every  fresh  cold ;  it 
will  often  be  of  service  after  Belladonna. 

Hepur  maj'  be  given  after  Belladonna  or  Meirurius,  or 
to  children  who  have  taken  much  calomel,  when  the  eye- 
lids and  eyes  are  red  and  sore,  and  pain  as  if  bruised  on 
being  touched,  close  spasmodically,  can  scarcely  be  opened ; 
the  light  is  insufferable  in  the  evening ;  the  eyes  appear 
at  times  quite  dull,  at  other  times  bright  and  clear ;  there 
is  a  feeling  of  pressure  in  the  eye  as  if  it  would  come  out; 
and  also  when  small  pustules  or  spots  appear  on  the  cor- 
nea and  little  pimples  externally  around  the  eye.  It  is 
especially  indicated  when  the  eyes  are  always  worse  in 
dry  cold  weather,  and  feel  better  when  covered  up  warmly. 

Sidphur  should  be  given  instead  oi  Ilepar,  when  Bella- 
donna or  Mercurius  have  previously  been  given ;  but  not 
after  Ilepar;  in  cases  where  the  eyelids  are  almost  closed 
in  the  morning,  and  the  daylight  is  particularly  painful 
to  the  patient,  or  he  is  quite  blind  during  the  day,  and 
can  only  see  a  little  during  twilight;  when  there  seems  to 
be  a  mist  before  the  ej'es,  the  cornea  is  dim,  ajipearing  as 
if  dusty;  or  when  the  eyelids  are  particularly  affected,  as 
noticed  before.  Also,  when  the  white  of  the  eye  appears 
very  red  and  there  are  little  blisters  on  it ;  when  there  is 


174  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 

increased  flow  of  tears  and  aversion  to  light,  severe  press- 
ure in  the  eye-ball,  aggravated  in  the  light  of  the  sun. 

Euphrasia  is  called  for  when  the  flow  of  tears  is  great 
and  acrid,  and  the  discharge  of  pus  and  mucus  from  the 
eyes  makes  the  eyelids  sore  and  the  cheeks  to  look  as  if 
varnished. 

Graphites  is  a  very  important  remedy;  for  its  indications 
see  symptoms  under  "  Inflammation  of  the  Eyelids." 

Rhus  toz.  may  be  given  where  the  cornea  has  little  ulcers 
on  it,  with  great  fear  of  the  light;  the  ej^e  is  very  red,  and 
the  lids  swollen  and  closed,  and  when  they  are  forced  open 
a  gush  of  tears  follows. 

Calcarca  is  applicable  when  ulcers  and  films  make  their 
appearance  on  the  cornea,  accompanied  by  violent  pressure, 
itching  and  pricking ;  or  burning  and  cutting  when  read- 
ing in  the  evening;  when  there  is  a  dimness  and  haziness 
before  the  eyes,  particularly  after  eating,  or  when  reading, 
sewing,  etc.;  also  when  there  is  a  feeling  of  inward  cold- 
ness in  the  eyes,  or  when  the  nose  is  swollen  and  scabby 
and  the  child  picks  it  a  great  deal. 

Arsenicum  is  sometimes  of  use  when  the  jiains  are  of  a 
burning  character,  as  if  produced  by  red-hot  coals,  and 
when  spots  have  already  made  their  appearance  on  the 
eye.  In  affections  of  this  kind  the  medicines  before  recom- 
mended in  "Inflammation  of  the  Eyes"  are  suitable  rem- 
edies. ^ 

Very  severe  diseases  of  the  eyes  are  caused  by  the  suppression  of  cutaneous 
eruptions,  ulcers,  or  other  diseases ;  in  such  cases  apply  to  a  homoeopathic 
practitioner.  If  they  are  consequent  upon  small-pox,  measles,  scarlet  fever, 
see  what  is  said  under  these  different  heads. 

For  sore  eyes  of  new-born  children,  see  "Diseases  of  Children." 

Spots  or  films  on  the  eyes  should  never  be  treated  with  corrosive  remedies. 
Rather  give  the  eye  rest,  and  if  you  cannot  consult  a  physician,  carefully 
select  from  among  the  medicines  mentioned  above ;  especially  useful  are 
Euphrasia,  Apis  and  Fulsalilla  ;  Belladonna  may  be  given,  afterward  Hepar 
or  Sulphur,  and  then  Calcarca,  L;/copodium  and  Silicea. 

He  who  is  not  patient  enough  to  try  these  remedies  may  use  genuine 
pure  nut  oil,  obtained  liy  pressure  and  moderate  heat  from  walnuts  that  are 


DISEASES   OF   THE   EYES.  175 

not  a  Tear  old ;  introduce  one  drop  of  it  into  the  eve  every  evening.  To 
wliite  spots  wliich  are  very  thick,  apply  finely  powdered  table  salt,  with  a 
hair-pencil.  For  tlie  whitish  or  gray  spots  on  the  cornea,  due  to  idcers — 
for  serious  opacities  of  the  cornea  interfering  very  much  with  vision,  a 
homoeopathic  practitioner  should  be  consulted. 


DEFECTS  OF  VISION,  WITH  REMARKS  ON  THE 
SELECTION  AND  USE  OF  SPECTACLES. 

The  most  frequent  defects  of  vision  are  near-sightedness  (myopia),  old- 
jightedness  (presbyopia)  and  long-sightedness  (hypermetropia). 

^Nearsightedness  depends  on  a  malformation  of  the  eye,  in  whicli  the  eye- 
ball is  too  long  from  before  backward.  This  condition  is  sometimes  in- 
herited, but  as  a  rule  is  due  to  using  the  eyes  a  great  deal  at  close  work,  in 
an  improper  position  and  with  poor  light.  Careful  examinations  of  the 
eyes  of  a  very  large  number  of  school  children,  from  the  primary  schools 
on  through  tlie  higher  schools,  and  of  young  men  in  college,  have  shown 
that  myopia  existed  in  a  large  percentage  of  the  cases,  and  always  in  an  in- 
creasing degree  as  the  higher  grades  of  schools  were  reached,  until,  finally, 
of  the  students  of  a  university,  about  two-thirds  were  found  near-sighted. 
This  condition  of  tlie  eyes  is  remedied  by  concave  glasses,  and  when 
proper  glasses  are  worn  the  near-siglitedness  is  prevented,  in  a  large  meas- 
ure, from  increasing,  and  consequently  myopic  children  cannot  put  on 
glasses  at  too  early  an  age. 

In  selecting  glasses  for  near-siglitedness  or  for  any  other  defect  of  vision, 
it  must  not  be  thought  sufficient  to  go  to  an  optician  or  to  buy  a  pair  of 
glasses  of  some  peddhar  that  improve  vision  more  or  less.  This  practice 
cannot  be  too  severely  condemned.  Many  persons  suffer  from  ruined  or 
much  injured  eyes  by  so  doing.  A  competent  oculist  should  always  be 
consulted.  lie,  with  his  test  glasses,  will  find  out  exactly  the  glasses  needed 
and  write  a  prescription  for  them ;  then  you  can  get  from  the  optician  the 
gl-asses  wliicli  are  ordered. 

Old-sii/ldcdness  is  constant,  to  a  greater  or  lesser  extent,  in  all  people  as 
they  advance  toward  middle  life,  and  it  increases,  to  a  marked  degree,  as 
age  increases.  This  defect  is  due  to  the  change  in  the  crystalline  lens  of 
the  eye,  which  has  its  origin  in  causes  due  to  the  period  of  life.  One  finds 
ordinarily  tliat  at  40  or  45  years  of  age  the  newspaper  is  read  in  the  even- 
ing with  less  ease  than  formerly,  the  print  must  be  lield  further  off  than 
before,  and  books  printed  with  fine  type  liave  to  be  discarded  entirely. 

Most  persons  dislike  to  acknowledge  tliat  their  sight  is  aflected  by  ad- 
vancing years,  and  so  many  put  off  wearing  glasses  at  the  cost  of  their  per- 
sonal comfort;  but  whenever  the  eyes  begin  to  show  signs  of  presbyopia, 
ghisses  should  be  i)rocured  at  once.  In  this  case,  too,  an  oculist  should  be 
visited,  so  that  the  proper  strength  of  glass  may  be  procured. 


176  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 

A  long  or  over-sighted  eye  is  one  tliat  is  too  sliort  from  before  backward, 
and  when  this  state  exists  it  is  a  defect  with  wliicli  tlie  person  has  been 
born.  Still,  it  is  often  not  noticed  until  mature  growth  is  attained,  because 
the  accomodative  or  adjustive  power  within  the  eye  is  so  strong  in  early- 
life  that  a  considerable  degree  of  hypermetropia  can  be  overcome  by  this 
means;  but  sooner  or  later  this  adjustive  power  will  fail  to  longer  compen- 
sate for  the  malformation,  and  then  symptoms  of  what  is  commonly  called 
weak  sight  will  appear.  Usually  distant  objects  will  be  seen  with  wonted 
clearness,  but  when  reading,  writing,  sewing,  or  any  work  demanding  con- 
stant tension  of  the  eyes,  has  been  persisted  in  for  a  length  of  time,  the 
letters  begin  to  run  together  or  objects  to  blur,  the  eyes  pain  and  water, 
headache  frequently  occurs,  and  these  symptoms  become  so  painful,  and 
vision  so  signally  fails,  that  whatever  work  one  is  at  must  be  desisted  from. 
After  resting  the  eyes  for  some  time  work  may  be  resumed,  but  pretty  soon 
the  accomodative  apparatus  tires  and  the  same  symptoms  reappear. 
Nothing  will  relieve  the  morbid  conditions  depending  on  this  cause  except 
convex  glasses  of  the  proper  strength.  Eyes  often  become  crossed  in  this 
form  of  defect,  and  at  a  stage  when  the  squint  is  not  constant,  tlie  deformity 
can  usually  be  cured  by  glasses. 

Sometimes  the  symptoms  of  weak  sight  are  not  due  to  hypermetropia, 
but  to  a  weakness  of  tlie  muscle,  which  turns  tlie  eye  toward  the  nose.  In 
this  latter  case  prismatic  glasses  may  be  required. 

There  is  another  defect  of  vision  which  is  nqt  very  uncommon,  and  which 
consists  in  a  variation  in  the  curvature  of  the  cornea  in  its  difi'erent  merid- 
ians. A  person  having  such  eyes  will,  perhaps,  see  vertical  lines  with 
more  distinctness  than  horizontal  ones,  or  the  opposite.  Such  eyes  must 
have  a  peculiar  kind  of  glass,  whicli  no  one  but  a  skilled  oculist  can  pre- 
scribe. At  the  risk  of  wearying  the  reader,  we  wish  to  repeat  again  the 
caution:  do  not  select  a  pair  of  glasses  for  yourself,  nor  allow  anyone  else  to 
who  is  not  a  competent  oculist.  Spectacle  dealers  do  not  understand  se- 
lecting glasses,  and  they  do  much  harm  in  attempting  to  select  them. 

To  protect  the  eyes  from  the  glare  of  the  light  wlien  walking  in  the  bright 
sunshine,  over  snow-covered  regions,  or  when  working  near  the  fire,  specta- 
cles made  of  a  light  blue  glass,  colored  by  cobalt,  should  be  worn;  the  color 
ought  to  be  of  such  a  shade  that  briglit  sunlight,  when  falling  through  the 
glass,  appears  snow-white,  without  blinding  tlie  eyes.  Glasses  of  the  color 
commonly  known  by  the  name  of  "London  smoke,"  are  injurious,  they 
ought  not  to  be  used ;  tlie  same  may  be  said  of  green  glasses. 

Spectacles  ought  to  have  as  light  frames  as  possible ;  and  for  children, 
and  those  who  wear  them  constantly,  should  have  the  ends  of  the  side  pieces 
bent  downward  in  such  a  manner  as  to  partly  encircle  the  ears.  The  larger 
the  glasses  are,  the  better ;  they  should  be  perfectly  clear  and  transparent, 
without  a  red  or  green  shade,  and  free  from  flaws ;  they  should  be  well  and 
uniformly  ground ;  they  should  always  fit  the  eyes  so  accurately  that  tlie  cen- 
tre of  each  glass  may  be  opposite  the  pupil  of  the  eye.    When  one  must  use 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES.  177 

glasses  constantly,  it  is  better  to  wear  spectacles  than  eye-glasses.  These 
latter  are  not  apt  to  keep  their  position  well,  and  ought  to  be  used  alone 
by  those  who  only  now  and  then  need  the  aid  of  glasses. 

Tlie  glasses  should  always  be  kept  clear  and  briglit,  should  never  be 
touclied  with  the  bare  finger,  but  frequently  wiped  with  soft  buckskin. 
When  tlie  glasses  get  scratched,  they  should  be  replaced  by  new  ones. 

It  may  be  well  to  s.iy,  in  a  general  way,  in  regard  to  the  care  of  tlie  eyes, 
that  one  should  always  endeavor  to  have  a  good  light  in  reading,  writing, 
engraving,  or  at  any  sort  of  close  work,  and  that  the  light  should  come  from 
tlie  side  or  else  from  over  the  shoulder.  The  eyes  ought,  at  intervals  of 
half  an  hour  or  less,  be  rested  for  a  few  minutes.  No  one  should  read 
while  riding  in  the  cars,  unless  the  motion  is  e-ftremely  steady,  for  the  con- 
stant movement  of  tlie  book  or  paper  requires  incessant  changes  in  the 
accommodation  of  the  eyes,  as  the  printed  page  approaches  or  recedes  from 
the  eyes,  and  soon  tliey  become  wearied  and  injury  is  apt  to  result.  It  is 
unwise  to  read  wliile  lying,  and  especially  when  ill,  for  the  eyes  are  at  such 
a  time  weaker  than  usual  and  can  easily  be  strained. 


ATTACKS  OF  BLINDNESS. 

Aconite  will  sometimes  benefit  sudden,  temporary  attacks 
of  blindness ;  Mercurius,  attacks  which  return  frequently, 
but  if  the  patient  has  taken  much  calomel,  Silicea  should 
be  given  instead. 

Belladonna  is  efficacious  in  night  blindness,  when  the 
patient  can  see  nothing  after  twilight,  particularly  if 
something  red  or  fiery  appears  before  the  eyes,  or  a  colored 
circle  around  the  candle. 

Lijcopodium  has  cured  many  cases  of  night  blindness, 
particularly  when  there  were  at  the  same  time  black  spots 
floating  before  the  eyes. 

Veratrum  is  also  indicated  when  black  spots  or  sparks 
appear  before  the  eyes;  if  this  is  not  efficacious,  give 
Hyoscyamm. 

Sulpliur,  followed  by  Silicea  or  PJiospJwrus  if  necessary, 
is  serviceable  in  attacks  of  day  blindness,  where  the  pa- 
tient can  only  see  well  in  the  evening. 
12 


178  DISEASES    OF    THE    EYES. 


DREAD  OF  LIGHT. 


The  shrinking  from  the  light  is  usually  connected  with 
other  complaints,  for  which  the  appropriate  remedy  must 
be  selected.  If  this  is  not  the  case,  however,  give  Aconite 
and  wait  a  few  days;  then  give  Nux  vomica;  if  no  better 
after  three  days.  Belladonna;  after  eight  days,  Mercurius; 
and  after  eight  days  again,  Hepar,  sometimes  Calcarea. 
When  the  patient  has  so  great  a  desire  for  light,  that  he 
cannot  have  it  intense  enough,  give  first  Aconite;  after- 
wards, if  necessary,  Belladonna  and  afterward  Sulplmr. 

For  dread  of  light  with  headache,  Euphrasia  may  be 
given  when  the  light  of  a  candle  appears  dark  and  un- 
steady ; 

Apis  if  everything  seems  to  whirl  before  the  eyes,  and 
if  the  eyes  feel  as  if  full  of  mucus ; 

Pulsatilla  when  a  fiery  halo  or  circle  appears  around 
the  light,  or  the  sight  is  dim,  as  if  something  needed  to 
be  wiped  away,  when  everything  appears  double  or  is 
totally  obscured ; 

Belladonna  when  a  variegated  halo  surrounds  the  light 
of  the  candle,  when  the  patient  sees  red  spots  or  a  mist; 
if  the  objects  appear  double  and  there  is  incipient  blind- 
ness; 

Staphisagria  for  dimness  of  sight,  with  black  flashes  and 
flickering,  during  the  day ;  in  the  night  fiery,  meteor-like 
appearances,  or  a  halo  around  the  light. 


SQUINTING  OF  CHILDREN. 

Squinting  of  children,  if  there  is  great  heat  in  the  liead,  is  often  cured  by 
Belladonna;  when  occasioned  by  worms,  by  Hyoscyamus  or  Cina;  after  scarlet 
fever,  Bkus  or  Cuprum  ;  if  it  arises,  wliich  is  very  common,  from  the  light  al- 
ways being  kept  on  the  same  side  of  tlie  bud  of  the  child,  place  it  for  some 
time  on  the  other  side,  or  turn  the  child  in  tlie  lud,  so  ;is  to  have  the  light  on 
the  other  side;  afterwards  place  the  child  in  siuh  a  inaimcr  as  to  have  the 
light  in  front,  which  is  the  proper  position.     If  this  cannot  bo  done,  put  a 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    EARS.  179 

dark  screen  before  the  ligbt.  With  older  children  this  is  seldom  of  much 
use.  In  these  cases  you  may  tie  up  the  sound  eye  first  every  day  for  several 
hours,  afterwards  for  several  days  at  a  time,  so  that  they  cannot  see  with  it 
at  all,  and  may  thus  learn  to  accustom  themselves  to  use  the  squinting  eye 
properly. 

If,  in  squinting,  both  eyes  are  turned  outwards,  put  a  bit  of  black  court 
plaster  on  the  tip  of  the  nose ;  if  inwards,  put  a  screen  of  shining  silk  on  each 
side  of  the  head,  like  blinkers.  If  all  this  proves  unavailing,  consult  a 
physician. 


CHAPTER  III. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EARS. 

ERUPTIONS. 

Eruptions  behind  or  in  tlie  ears.     See  "  Eruptions." 


MUMPS. 

Mumps,  a  swelling  of  the  great  salivary  (parotid)  gland  lying  under  and 
in  front  of  the  ear,  frequently  occur  with  children,  but  are  not  dangerous 
unless  the  disease  disappears  from  the  neck  and  attacks  some  other  structure. 
Sometimes  the  swelling  extends  over  the  whole  neck,  so  that  the  patient 
can  scarcely  chew  or  swallow,  and  increases  fur  three  or  four  days.  Occa- 
sionally on  tlie  fifth  or  seventh  day  the  swelling  of  tlie  neck  disappears,  and 
shows  itself  in  the  breasts  or  testicles,  which  become  red  and  painful,  and 
pain  in  the  bowels  or  other  symptoms  make  their  appearance. 

The  patient  should  be  kept  warm,  not  too  mucli  so,  however,  and  care 
taken  to  prevent  his  taking  cold  in  any  way.  All  stimulating  food  and 
drinks  should  be  avoided,  and  no  external  application  made  use  of,  with 
the  exception  of  tying  a  cotton  or  linen  handkercliief  around  the  neck,  but 
not  silk  or  woolen  ones. 

Mei-curius  is  the  principal  remedy  in  this  affection. 
Belladonna  will,  however,  be  indicated  if  the  disease  as- 
sumes an  inflammatory  character,  or  the  swelling  is  very 


180  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS. 

red,  resembling  erysipelas,  or  very  painful,  and  when  it 
strikes  in  and  affects  the  brain,  which  may  be  known  by 
the  swelling  suddenly  disappearing  and  unconsciousness 
and  delirium  following.  If  it  affects  the  testicles  give 
Pulsatilla,  and  after  several  days,  Mercurius  or  Sulplivr. 

Bryonia  is  sometimes  useful  when  the  swelling  suddenly 
disappears  and  alarming  brain  symptoms  occur. 

Rhus  tox\^\en  the  swelling  is  dark  red  and  the  left  side 
is  affected. 

Carbo  vegetabiUs  when  the  patient  has  a  slow  fever,  the 
swelling  becomes  harder  and  will  not  go  away ;  or  when 
striking  in,  it  affects  the  stomach ;  and  also  when  Mercurius, 
given  in  the  commencement  of  the  disease,  has  failed  in 
giving  relief,  or  if  the  patient  has  previously  taken  much 
calomel.  Should  Carbo  vegetabiUs  be  insufficient,  it  may 
be  followed  by  C'occxdus. 

Hyoscyamus  may  be  given  for  the  symptoms  indicated 
under  Belladonna,  if  the  latter  fails  to  produce  a  favorable 
change  in  thirty-six  hours. 

"When  attended  by  pain  in  the  throat,  see  under  "  Affec- 
tions of  the  ThrOat ; "  when  by  much  hoarseness,  Carbo 
vegetabiUs  almost  always  proves  efficacious. 

If  the  complaint  occurs  in  combination  with  affections  of  the  ears  or  teetli, 
in  scald  head,  scarlet  fever,  measles,  small-pox,  malignant  fevers,  or  after 
excessive  use  of  mercury,  see  the  remedies  for  these  diseases. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THF  EAR. 

In  inflammation  of  the  ear  tliere  is  .generally  redness,  heat,  pain,  and 
swelling.  The  external  passage  or  tube  is  sometimes  nearly  closed,  and  tlie 
pain  is  very  severe;  tlie  patient  can  scarcely  bear  to  have  the  ear  touched. 
The  trouble  is  frequently  caused  by  little  boils  in  tlie  canal  of  the  ear,  some- 
times a  slender  piece  of  pork  or  fat  luun  juit  into  the  ear  will  give  relief. 
Warm  applications  are  of  great  benefit. 

Pulsatilla  is  indicated  when  the  complaint  is  accompa- 
nied by  so  violent  a  tearing,  boring,  throbbing,  pricking, 
and  burning,  that  the  patient  becomes  delirious. 


AFFECTION'S    OF    THE    EARS.  181 

Belladonna  will  be  reijuired  if  the  inflammation  jicne- 
trates  to  the  brain,  with  great  agitation,  vomiting,  cold- 
ness of  the  extremities  and  other  dangerous  symptoms. 

In  case  boils  are  the  cause  of  the  inflammation,  Arnica 
or  Hepar  will  be  useful. 

EARACHE. 

Ccpa  should  be  given  if  the  pain  is  worse  at  night  and 
in-doors,  more  on  the  left  side,  if  the  pain  goes  from  the 
throat  or  head  to  the  ear  and  if  it  is  accompanied  or  has 
been  preceded  by  catarrh. 

Chamomilla  for  single,  acute,  stabbing  pains  in  the  cars, 
as  if  made  by  a  knife;  the  ear  being  dry  and  without  wax ; 
or  tearing  pain  in  the  ears,  extending  to  the  ear  lobes ; 
the  patient  is  very  cross  and  easily  offended ;  the  pains 
intolerable. 

Mcrcurius,  if  the  patient  sweats  without  any  relief;  when 
there  is  a  tearing  pain  extending  to  the  cheeks,  pricking 
deeply,  at  the  same  time  tearing,  pressing,  burning  pain  ; 
or  when  it  burns  externally,  or  feels  cold  inwardly,  with 
violent  twitches  and  pinching ;  particularly  when  the  ear 
is  discharging  a  little.  For  children  this  is  the  princijjal 
remedy,  after  which  Sulphur  may  be  given. 

Pulsatilla,  if  during  the  course  of  a  rheumatic  attack, 
earache  occurs  and  is  attended  by  jerking,  tearing  pains,  as 
if  something  would  be  pressed  out;  or  when  the  ear  is  ex- 
ternally red,  hot  and  swelled,  the  pain  going  through  the 
■whole  side  of  the  face,  particularly  in  jsersons  inclined  to 
chilliness  and  easily  moved  to  tears. 

Nux  vomica,  for  tearing,  piercing  earache,  occurring  in 
passionate,  irascible  persons. 

Arnica,  for  very  sensitive  persons,  who  have  a  return  of 
the  pain  on  the  slightest  exposure,  with  pressure  and 
stitches  in  and  behind  the  ears,  also  tearing,  heat,  and 
irritability  at  any  loud  noise. 


182  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    EARS. 

Cinchona,  if  the  pain  is  more  in  the  external  ear,  ^^'ith 
redness,  pricking  and  tingling  inside. 

Belladonna,  for  earache,  with  stitches  in  and  behind  the 
ears;  boring,  screwing,  throbbing  pain,  with  tearing  and 
stitching  down  into  the  throat,  with  ringing,  roaring  and 
rushing,  particularly  when  the  head  and  eyes  are  affected ; 
the  pains  during  the  paroxysms  being  worse  when  the 
parts  are  touched,  or  on  moving  about. 

Hepar,  for  the  same  symptoms  as  Bdladonna,  when  the 
latter  is  insufficient,  and  also  for  a  shooting  pain  on  blow- 
ing the  nose,  with  throbbing  and  roaring  in  the  ears. 

Calcarea,  if  the  pains  are  chiefly  confined  to  one  side; 
throbbing  deep  in  the  ear,  and  so  violent  as  almost  to 
drive  the  sufferer  to  distraction  ;  especially  if  mostly  on 
the  right  side,  or  worse  after  midnight,  towards  morning 
or  in  the  forenoon. 

Suljyhur,  if  the  pain  returns  frequently ;  is  on  the  left 
side,  or  is  aggravated  in  the  evening  or  before  midnight. 

Platina,  if  the  pains  are  very  severe,  like  cramps,  with 
a  jerking,  rumbling  and  rolling  sensation  in  the  ears;  they 
feel  cold,  and  numb  with  a  crawling  sensation,  extending 
to  the  face. 

Dulcamara,  for  similar  cases  and  particularly  after  tak- 
ing cold,  when  the  pains  are  worse  while  the  patient  is  at 
rest;  particularly  during  the  night,  and  which  are  at- 
tended with  nausea. 

Rhus  is  very  useful  if  the  earache  is  caused  by  getting 
wet  or  by  suppressed  perspiration. 

Other  remedies,  sucli  as  PJtoiqihoric.  acid,  Antimonium  crtidum,  etc.,  may 
be  required  in  some  cases. 

Make  no  external  application  ;  even  oil  may  become  injurious ;  hot  va- 
pors may  burn  tlie  ear,  and  a  part  that  is  once  injured  cannot  be  restored. 
A  sponge  dipped  in  warm  water  and  tied  ui)on  tlie  ear  can  be  used  and  will 
sometimes  mitigate  the  pain  witlioiit  doing  any  harm,  but  a  better  way  is  to 
lay  the  patient  on  the  well  side  and  liaving  a  little  pitcher  of  water  as  warm 
as  can  be  borne,  pour  a  continuous  stream  into  the  suffering  ear;  the  con- 
stant flow  of  warm  water  into  and  out  of  the  ear  canal  will  frequently  relieve 
the  severe  pain  in  a  few  moments. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS.  Ib6 

RUNNING  OP  Tllli  HARS. 

Running  of  the  ears  is  a  complaint  wliicli  always  iieeJs  the  most  careful 
attention,  for  usually  a  chronic  ear  discharge  has  its  origin  in  the  inner  ear, 
whii'li  lias  only  a  thin  plate  of  bone  separating  it  from  the  brain,  and  in- 
flammation of  the  brain  or  abscesses  in  the  brain  are  not  infrequent  occur- 
rences, depending  entirely  on  a  neglected  ear  discharge  and  so,  though  the 
complaint  is  a  tedious  one,  it  should  be  treated  until  it  is  cured.  This  can 
usually  be  done  when  a  case  is  taken  early.  It  is  necessary  to  use  the  most 
careful  cleanliness  and  the  ear  should  be  gently  syringed  out  several  times 
daily  -with  warm  water,  and  then  a  little  fine  wool  put  into  the  ear  to  protect 
it  from  the  cold  air,  to  hinder  insects  from  crawling  into  it,  and  to  prevent 
the  discharge  flowing  out  on  to  the  cheek ;  when  the  syringe  is  used  the  ear 
should  be  pulled  up  and  backward  to  straighten  the  canal  and  the  nozzle  of 
the  small  syringe  inserted  a  short  distance  into  the  canal.  In  this  disease 
oil  should  not  be  dropped  into  the  ear. 

When  a  discharge  from  the  ear  remains  after  inflamma- 
tion, or  is  accompanied  by  pain,  jjarticularly  by  pain 
pressing  outward ;  or  the  ear  is  hot  and  red,  or  covered 
with  a  scabby,  itching  eruption ;  or  when  the  disease  suc- 
ceeds measles,  give  Pulsatilla;  if  that  does  not  relieve, 
Sulphur. 

For  the  discharge  following  scarlet  fever,  give  Bella- 
dmina;  and  after  a  few  daj's,  if  necessary,  Mcrcurius,  and 
then  Belladonna  again;  if  this  is  not  sufficient,  Ilcpar. 

In  the  discharge  from  the  ears  occurring  after  small  pox, 
'which  is  sometimes  bloody,  and  combined  with  pricking 
pam ;  if  the  ear  is  outwardly  ulcerated,  and  the  discharge 
offensive,  give  Mcrcurius.  But  if  the  patient  has  taken 
much  calomel,  give  Ilcpar;  if  he  has  taken  too  much  sul- 
phur, give  Pulsaiilla,  and,  a  few  days  afterwards,  Mcrcurius. 

Should  it,  not-withstanding,  become  very  tedious,  take 
as  much  potash  as  will  lie  on  the  end  of  a  knife,  dissolve 
it  in  a  pint  of  rainwater,  shake  it  well,  then  pour  a  tea- 
spoonful  into  the  ear  every  day  after  it  has  been  syringed, 
until  it  begins  to  improve. 

If  the  discharge  is  purulent  and  long-lasting,  give  Mer- 
curius,  and  eight  days  later.  Sulphur.     Should  it  not  im- 


184  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS. 

prove  under  this  treatment,  give  Calcarea.  If  there  is  a 
severe  headache  accompanying  it,  give  Mcrcurius  or  Sul- 
phur; if  this  gives  no  relief,  Belladonna,  and  afterwards 
Lachesis.  Should  no  benefit  accrue,  notwithstanding  all 
this,  give,  two  mornings  successively,  Silicea,  and  repeat 
it  after  one  or  two  weeks,  if  necessarJ^  A  chronic  dis- 
charge is  sometimes  relieved  by  Causticum,  particularly 
when  the  patient  is  frequently  attacked  with  rheumatism. 
But  if  all  these  remedies  fail,  try  injections  of  a  solution 
of  borax,  in  the  same  proportion  as  the  potash  mentioned 
above. 

When  the  glands  of  the  neck  become  hard  and  swollen 
after  the  suppression  of  the  discharge,  give  Pulsatilla; 
later,  Mercurius  or  Belladonna. 

If  severe  headache  and  fever  occur,  give  Belladonna 
first;  if  no  relief  is  obtained,  Bryonia.  If  it  is  produced 
by  a  violent  cold  or  wet  feet,  and  the  patient  is  better 
from  exercise,  give  Didcamara;  but  if  better  by  keeping 
quiet,  give  Belladonna.  If  worse  when  warm  in  bed, 
3Iercurius. 

If  after  a  suppressed  discharge,  a  swelling  like  mumps 
takes  place,  give  the  remedies  prescribed  for  mumps. 

Sometimes  a  violent  headache  arises,  which  becomes 
dull,  with  a  pressure,  as  if  the  skull  were  too  small;  the 
eyes  become  red ;  the  pain  is  worse  when  moving,  and  is 
followed  by  fever;  sometimes  spasms  in  the  face  occur, 
swelling  of  the  head,  loss  of  memory,  etc. ;  followed  by  a 
roaring  and  rushing  in  the  ears,  deafness,  and  a  sudden 
discharge  of  matter.  Let  the  ear  be  cleansed  with  luke- 
warm water,  and  the  patient  lie  on  the  side  affected,  hav- 
ing a  small  cushion  or  folded  napkin  placed  about  the 
ear.  If  the  malady  is  perceived  before  the  purulent  dis- 
charge appears,  give  Hepar;  if  not  better  in  a  few  days, 
Mcrcurius.  If  this  produces  no  marked  result  after  several 
doses,  give  Lachesis;  after  this  again,  if  necessary  in  a  day 
or  two,  Hepar. 


AFFKCTIUNS    OF    THE    EARS.  185 

The  same  treatment  is  to  be  observed  when  the  discharge  ceases  sud- 
denly. Usually  as  soon  as  there  is  an  escape  of  pus,  the  patient  is  safe,  and 
nothing  more  is  necessary  to  be  done,  except  to  keep  the  ears  carefully 
cleansed  with  injections  of  lukewarm  water,  as  already  recommended  in 
this  chapter,  until  the  discliarge  has  ceased. 


BUZZING  IN  THE  EARS. 

Tliis  complaint  is  generally  connected  with  running  of  the  ears  and  diffi- 
culty of  hearing;  or  with  earache.  Sometimes  with  headache  and  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head.  In  such  cases  the  appropriate  medicines 
for  these  diseases  should  be  given. 

If,  however,  it  is  unconnected  with  other  symptoms, 
and  arises  from  cold,  is  worse  in  the  morning,  Ahix  vomica 
is  tlie  proper  remedy. 

Pulsatilla,  if  worse  in  the  evening. 

Dulcamara,  if  worse  in  the  night;  for  persons  who  per- 
spire much,  Mercurius;  for  those  who  cannot  sweat,  Cham- 
omilla;  to  very  sensitive  persons  wlio  have  taken  much 
mercury,  or  suffer  much  from  fever,  or  liver  complaints, 
when  the  buzzing  is  more  hissing,  like  a  ringing  or  sing- 
ing, give  Cinchona;  but  if  louder,  more  like  the  noise  of 
a  humming-top,  or  where  Cinchona  does  no  good,  Carho 
vcgdahilis.  In  old  persons,  especially  if  it  is  on  one  side, 
with  great  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  which 
seems  to  cause  the  buzzing.  Arnica  is  beneficial,  and  must 
be  repeated  whenever  it  becomes  worse.  If  it  returns 
always  with  or  becomes  worse  from  wet  weather,  if  it  is 
worse  in  doors,  particularly  after  lying  down,  if  it  causes 
hardness  of  hearing,  if  it  is  accompanied  by  pain  in  the 
throat,  running  of  tears,  or  trouble  M-licn  making  water, 
give  Ccpa.  If  it  lias  been  of  long  continuance,  apply  to  a 
physician. 

Sometimes,  when  the  least  noise  cannot  be  borne.  Sul- 
phur, and  afterwards  Aconite  will  do  good.  If  this  fails, 
give  Carho  vegctahilis  and  Coffca  several  times  afterwards. 

If  attended  with  great  sensitiveness  when  exposed  to 


186  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS. 

the  wind,  or  with  echoing  of  every  step  and  word,  in 
persons  who  suffer  frequentl}'  from  tearing  pains  in  the 
limbs,  give  Causticum. 


HARDNESS  OF  HEARING. 

This  complaint  is  sometimes  connected  with  other  diseases,  and  will  then 
only  cease  when  they  are  removed.  When  it  is  of  long  standing  it  cannot 
easily  be  cured;  but  that  which  is  of  a  recent  date  is,  as  a  rule,  more  easily 
removed. 

Occasionally  in  children,  and  not  infrequently  in  grown  persons,  it  is 
caused  by  some  obstruction  in  tlie  ear.  Tlie  ear  should  be  examined  care- 
fully, by  placing  the  patient  in  such  a  position  that  the  light  may  fall  into 
the  ear ;  if  an  ear-speculum  is  at  hand  it  will  enable  us  to  see  down  to  the 
bottom  of  the  ear  passage.  In  case  there  is  an  accumulation  of  hard  dark 
brown  wax  in  the  ear,  which  can  easily  be  detected,  tliis  must  be  removed 
by  the  syringe.  Warm  water  alone  should  be  used  for  injecting.  It  is  dan- 
gerous to  introduce  hair-pins  or  ear-picks  into  tlie  ear,  as  these  can  never 
extract  the  hardened  wax,  and  they  often  push  it  still  further  into  the  pas- 
sage, even  as  far  as  the  drum  of  tlie  ear,  causing  exquisite  pain,  and  inflam- 
mation if  it  be  not  immediately  removed.  Caution  is  required  in  tlie  use 
of  tlie  syringe,  not  to  introduce  the  nozzle  too  far,  nor  to  inject  too  violently. 
Whilst  using  it  tlie  outer  ear  should  be  drawn  upwards  and  backwards  in 
order  to  straighten  the  canal.  These  injections  of  luke  warm  water  should 
be  used  every  morning  and  evening;  tlie  water  should  be  retained  in  the 
ear  for  a  while  to  soften  the  wax.  Glycerine  may  be  dropped  into  tlie  ear 
a  few  times  to  assist  in  softening  the  wax,  but  the  use  of  the  syringe  must 
still  be  continued. 

The  most  frequent  cause  of  hardness  of  hearing  is  a  catarrhal  condition  of 
the  throat  and  of  the  tubes  leading  from  the  throat  to  the  ear.  In  such  cases 
relief  is  sometimes  gained  by  holding  the  nose  and  mouth  both  tiglitly  closed 
and  then  trying  to  blow  the  nose.  This  method  may  succeed  in  forcing  air 
through  the  closed  tubes  into  the  middle  ear  and  will  greatly  aid  the  re- 
covery of  the  hearing. 

If  too  great  a  dryness  of  the  canal  of  tlie  ear  or  want  of 
wax  is  the  cause  of  the  deafness,  sometimes  Carbo  rcgetah- 
ills  or  Lachesis  prove  useful.  The  passage  may  be  moist- 
ened by  means  of  glycerine,  which  sliould  be  introduced 
into  the  ear  at  night  on  a  little  cotton  wool.  Before  using 
it  taste  it,  if  it  is  sweet  it  is  good,  but  if  at  all  sour  it  will 
injure  the  ear;  unless  you  can  bear  it  in  your  eyes  it  is 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    EARS.  187 

impure;  but  to  test  it  further  put  a  drop  on  a  small  piece 
of  glass,  add  a  drop  of  salt  water,  if  this  makes  it  cloudy- 
do  not  use  it.  But  the  glj^cerine  is  after  all  only  like  a 
crutch  for  a  lame  person,  a  good  physician  should  always 
if  possible  be  consulted. 

Hardness  of  hearing,  attended  with  singing,  tingling, 
and  twittering,  is  sometinu's  sprcdily  cured  by  Vcratrum. 

If  connected  with  runniu-  linni  1  he  ear,  give  medicines 
prescribed  for  this  complaint,  especially  Pulsatilla,  Mcr- 
curius,  Sulphur,  Calcarea  and  Causticum. 

If  it  is  in  consequence  of  measles,  Pulsatilla  or  Carlo 
vegetahilis ;  after  scarlet  fever,  Belladonna  or  Ilqxir;  after 
small-pox,  Mercurius  or  Sulj^hur. 

If  connected  with  cold  in  the  head,  and  its  general  at- 
tendant, a  sore  throat,  which  is  relieved  by  swallowing, 
gargling  with  wai-rn  water  is  advisable,  and  give  Cliamo- 
milla,  Arsenicum,  Mercurius,  or  Lachcsis,  according  to  the 
symptoms  under  "  Catarrh." 

If  it  arises  from  rheumatism,  which  has  been  sup- 
pressed by  a  cold,  and  has  affected  the  ear,  give  the 
medicines  proper  for  the  rheumatic  pains,  and  afterwards 
Bryonia,  IhUcamara  or  Sul2yhur. 

If  caused  by  suppressed  eruptions  or  ulcers  wliich  have 
been  healed  by  salves,  etc.,  give  the  remedies  for  these, 
particularly  Sulphur  or  Antimonium  crudum. 

If  the  patient  has  been  affected  with  piles,  sometimes 
JVua;  wmica  gives  relief ;  if  with  nervous  fever,  ylr/a'ca  or 
Phosphoric  acid. 

If  the  tonsils  are  swelled  and  cause  hardness  of  hearing, 
Mercurius  vivus  and  Staphisagria  frequently  prove  useful. 

In  clironic  complaints  of  this  nature,  dieting  and  drinking  plenty  of  cold 
water  are  of  great  importance.  If  not  removed  by  the  means  recommended 
above,  consult  a  hama>opathic  physician. 

Besides  the  above  mentioned  remedies  vou  may,  after  comparing  the  re- 
maining symptoms,  take  your  choice  among  the  following:  Veratrum, 
Staphisagria,  Arsenicum,  Ihjoscyanms,  and  in  very  tedious  cases  SiUcea  or 
Calcarea. 


188  AFFKCTIOXS   OF   THE   NOSE. 

Beware  of  remedies  which,  in  their  application,  must  be  introduced  into 
tlie  ear.  Let  nothing  be  introduced  into  the  ear  except  sucli  remedies  as 
liave  been  recommended  here.  Affections  of  the  ear  are  generally  very 
tedious  and  difficult  to  cure,  and  sometimes  quite  incurable. 


CHAPTER    IV. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  NOSE, 

PAINS  AND  ERUPTIONS. 

For  pain  and  eruptions,  see  "  Tootliaclie,"  and  "  Eruptions." 

SWELLING  OF  THE  NOSE. 

Arnica,  when  the  nose  is  swelled  in  consequence  of 
having  received  a  blow,  or  when  the  swelling  occurs  very 
suddenly  without  any  apparent  cause,  accompanied  by 
crawling  and  pain  in  the  upper  part  of  the  bone,  as  if 
after  a  blow. 

Belladonna,  when  the  swelling  is  attended  with  catarrh, 
when  the  edges  of  the  nostrils  are  swollen  and  sore,  with 
redness,  heat  and  pains,  sometimes  extending  inwards, 
with  burning,  prickling  and  dryness;  the  smell  some- 
times very  sensitive,  sometimes  not  enough  so;  and, 
where  this  remedy  does  not  suffice,  Hepar. 

Mercurius  in  watery  discharge  from  the  nose,  making 
it  sore,  and  when  the  nose  is  red,  having  a  shinj-,  swollen 
appearance,  with  itching,  pains  in  the  bones  upon  press- 
ure. In  these  symptoms  it  is  better  to  begin  with  this 
remedy,  and  to  give  Hepar  afterwards,  or  perhaps  Bella- 
donna. 

Hepar,  in  swellings  occurring  in  persons  who  have 
taken  much  calomel;  and  afterwards  Mercurius. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    NOSE.  189 

Bryonia,  is  sometimes  of  service  in  long  lasting  painful 
swelling. 

Sulphur,  in  swelling,  with  black  specks  on  the  nose. 

Phosphoric  Acid,  red  spots  on  the  nose. 

Causticum,  warts  on  the  nose. 

Rlius,  when  the  point  of  the  nose  is  red. 

Cantharidcs,  red,  shining  swelling  with  tension  in  the 
forepart  of  the  nose. 

Arsenicum,  chronic  redness. 


BLEEDING  OF  THE  NOSE. 

Sleeding  of  the  nose  occurs  in  the  course  of  many  diseases,  and  frequently 
benefits  the  patient  considerably.  It  ought  not  to  be  interrupted,  unless  it 
is  too  violent  or  lasts  loo  long.  Cold  water,  vinegar,  sponges,  corks,  brandy, 
creosote,  etc.,  applied  inconsiderately,  may  have  an  injurious  effect.  Filling 
up  the  nose  is  always  useless ;  it  is  better  merely  to  compress  it,  and  to  see 
whether  tlie  bleeding  stops,  or  whetlier  the  blood  flows  into  the  throat. 

The  bleeding  may  sometimes  be  stopped  by  extending  the  arm  wliicli  is 
on  the  same  side  as  the  bleeding  nostril,  perpendicularly  uinvards  over 
the  head,  though  when  tlie  arm  is  taken  down  again  tlie  bleeding  is  liable 
to  return. 

Arnica  is  the  best  remedy  for  bleeding  of  the  nose  oc- 
casioned by  a  blow,  fall,  or  any  external  injury,  and  also 
when  it  is  preceded  by  crawling  in  the  nose  or  forehead; 
when  the  nose  feels  hot,  and  the  blood  is  of  a  bright  red 
color.     It  is  especially  suitable  for  men. 

Pulsatilla,  for  women,  especially  those  of  a  mild,  quiet 
disposition,  or  who  have  too  scant  a  flow  at  the  menstrual 
periods,  and  also  if  the  bleeding  takes  place  during 
a  catarrh,  with  alternate  running  and  stoppage  of  the 
nostrils,  and  when  the  bleeding  recurs  in  the  afternoon, 
evening,  or  before  midnight. 

Aconite,  for  violent  bleeding,  brought  on  by  being  very 
much  overheated,  or  the  patient  has  the  appearance  of 
being  overheated;  or  that  caused  by  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head,  or  by  drinking  wine;  it  is  particularly 


190  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   NOSE. 

applicable  to  persons  of  a  plethoric  habit.  If  it  does  not 
soon  relieve,  Bryonia,  when  there  are  complaints  of  the 
head  and  chest  accompanying  the  bleeding. 

Cinchona  in  enervated  and  debilitated  subjects -nlio  have 
frequent  and  long  continued  attacks  of  hemorrhage,  with 
great  paleness  of  the  face,  twitching  of  the  extremities 
and  coldness,  convulsions,  etc. 

Carbo  vcgetabilis:  nose  bleeds  frequently  and  from  slight 
causes;  worse  at  night  and  in  the  forenoon;  face  pale 
before  and  after  each  attack ;  while  this  remedy  is  one  of 
the  most  important  ones  in  this  complaint,  it  is  most 
useful  in  old  or  debilitated  persons. 

Rhus,  if  the  nasal  hemorrhage  was  brought  on  by  great 
exertion,  overlifting,  straining,  etc.,  and  is  worse  every 
time  the  patient  stoops,  or  if  it  comes  at  night  wakening 
one  from  sleep. 

Crocus  for  bleeding  from  the  nose,  when  the  blood  is 
very  dark,  almost  black,  of  a  thick  viscid  character,  and 
when  the  hemorrhage  is  accompanied  by  cold  sweat  on 
the  forehead. 

Mercurius,  when  bleeding  takes  place  at  night  during 
sleep  and  the  blood  coagulates  immediately  in  the  nostrils 
in  cone-shaped  clots,  or  the  bleeding  is  accompanied  with 
fever  in  the  night. 

Cina  in  children  who  are  subject  to  worms,  or  when 
the  bleeding  is  brought  on  by  picking  and  boring  at  the 
nose. 

Sidjjliur  will  frequently  be  found  beneficial  to  persons 
who  are  subject  to  repeated  attacks  of  nasal  hemorrhage. 

Secale,  when  the  bleeding  is  caused  by  great  physical 
debility. 

If  the  above  remedies  fail  in  stopping  the  hemon-hage  after  a  sufficient 
time  has  been  allowed  them  to  act,  benefit  may  be  derived,  especially  in 
bleeding  consequent  upon  overheating  or  drinking  wine,  from  immersing 
the  h;mds  in  warm  water,  and  afterwards  keeping  quiet.  A  large  key  or 
other  instrument  of  iron  applied  cold  to  the  spine  will  often  stop  hemor- 
rhage from  the  nose. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    NOSE.  191 

Where  the  bleeding  proves  obstinate  and  the  patient  is  in  danger  of 
suffering  seriously  from  the  excessive  loss  of  blood,  a  physician  must  be 
summoned,  and  he  can  check  tlie  flow  by  plugging  the  nose  posteriorly 
tlirough  the  mouth  and  anteriorly  througli  the  nostrils. 


OZCENA. 

An  extremely  obstinate  ulceration  of  tlie  lining  membrane  of  the  nostrils, 
attended  with  fetid  discharge,  and  sometimes  followed  by  destruction  of  tlie 
cartilages,  and  by  decay  of  the  bones  of  the  nose,  is  termed  ozceiia.  Its 
origin  is  probably  in  many  instances  connected  with  syphilis.  In  other 
cases,  however,  there  are  marks  of  a  purely  scrofulous  taint. 

One  of  the  most  troublesome  attendants  of  the  disease  is  the  accumulation 
of  thick  mucus  or  incrustations  which  sometimes  entirely  block  up  the  pas- 
sages of  the  nose.  When  a  catarrh  has  progressed  to  such  a  stage  a  physi- 
cian should  be  consulted. 


CATARRH  OR  COLD  IN  THE  HEAD. 

Camphora  tincture,  in  drop  doses  every  half  hour  for  a 
few  hours,  if  taken  when  the  very  earliest  symptoms  of  a 
cold  in  the  head  appear,  will  often  prevent  the  further 
development  of  the  cold. 

Mcrcurius  is  the  principal  remedy  in  epidemic  catarrh, 
(influenza  or  grippe,)  when  many  persons  are  affected 
with  it  at  one  time;  especially  if  there  is  constant  sneez- 
ing; the  nose  somewhat  swollen  and  sore,  with  constant 
watery  discharge;  offensive  smell;  pain  in  the  head  and 
cheek;  profuse  sweat  at  night;  the  catarrh  worse  in  the 
morning,  and  also  when  accompanied  by  fever;  the 
patient  does  not  like  to  be  alone,  and  has  much  thirst, 
feels  the  heat  uncomfortably,  yet  cannot  bear  the  cold. 
If  the  symptoms  have  been  better  and  become  worse 
again,  give  Hcpar.  It  is  especially  serviceable  for  chil- 
dren, and  in  catarrhs  caused  by  suppressed  perspiration, 
with  fever  and  pains  in  the  different  parts  of  the  limbs. 

Hcpar  may  be  given  instead  of  Mcrcurlm  to  persons 
who  have  previously  taken  much  calomel,  and  also  when. 


192  AFFECTIONS    OP    THE    XOSE. 

the  catarrh  or  headache  is  renewed  by  every  breath  of 
air,  or  when  only  one  nostril  is  affected,  and  the  headache 
is  increased  by  every  movement.  If  Ilepar  does  not 
prove  effective,  give  Belladonna. 

Ccj^a  for  the  ordinary  catarrh,  which  attacks  many 
people  at  the  same  time,  and  is  aggravated  by  wet,  windy 
weather;  it  commences  generally  on  the  left  side  and 
goes  to  the  right ;  with  much  sneezing,  profuse  acrid  dis- 
charge from  the  nose,  which  is  inflamed  and  sore  down 
to  the  upper  lij);  with  running  of  the  eyes,  headache, 
cough,  thirst,  heat,  pain  in  the  teeth  or  all  over,  worse  at 
night  and  in  a  room,  better  in  the  open  air  and  in  the 
cold,  but  always  worse  again  when  returning  to  the  warm 
room. 

Lachcsis  will  be  found  useful  in  catarrhs  of  the  severest 
kinds,  with  profuse  watery  discharge  from  the  nose,  ac- 
companied with  great  soreness  and  swelling. 

In  another  kind  of  catarrh  when  the  patient  has  not  so 
much  redness,  heat  and  thirst,  but  has  a  desii-e  for 
warmth;  drinks  often,  but  little  at  a  time;  is  unusually 
weak,  restless,  agitated;  complains  of  burning  like  fire 
without  much  heat  or  redness  being  perceptible;  the  dis- 
charge is  not  offensive,  but  more  acrid  and  corrosive;  the 
soreness  of  the  nostrils  is  very  great  and  very  uncomfort- 
able; motion  and  warmth  relieve,  and  every  little  cold 
does  not  aggravate;  in  this  case  give  Arsenicum,  Dulcamara, 
Nux  vomica,  sometimes  also  Ipecacuanha : 

Arsenicum,  when  the  nose  feels  stopped  up  and  yet  runs; 
the  discharge  is  acrid;  soreness  of  the  nose  inside  and 
out  from  the  discharge;  the  patient  is  sleepless  at  night 
without  any  particular  cause,  or  the  nose  bleeds  at  night; 
cannot  lie  still. 

Nux  vomica,  for  the  same  symptoms  as  Arsenicum,  when 
the  latter  causes  no  improvement  in  twelve  hours,  or 
when  tlie  catarrh  is  fluent  during  the  day,  and  dry 
at  night;  the   moutli   dry   and  parched  without   much 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    NOSE.  193 

thirst;  tightness  of  the  chest  and  coustipation.  This 
remedy  is  also  particularly  useful  in  alternate  heat  and 
chilliness,  especially  in  the  evening,  and  also  when  there 
is  great  heat  of  the  head  and  face,  or  all  over. 

Dulcamara,  where  the  symptoms  are  partly  for  Arseni- 
cum, and  partly  for  Nux  vomica,  but  the  patient  feels  better 
when  in  motion  and  worse  when  at  rest,  and  the  slightest 
exposure  renews  the  obstruction. 

IpccacuanJta,  when  Arsenicum  or  Kux  vomica  ajipears  to 
be  indicated,  but  prove  insufficient. 

Pulsatilla  may  be  indicated  when  there  is  not  so  much 
soreness  of  the  nose,  but  the  patient  is  at  once  deprived 
of  appetite  and  smell ;  the  mucus  discharged  is  thick  and 
yellowish,  or  sometimes  green  and  offensive. 

Euj^hrasia  is  serviceable  in  catarrhs  accompanied  by  a 
thin  discharge  from  the  nose,  and  scalding  tears  from  the 
eyes. 

Rhus,  when  the  mucus  is  thick  and  yellowish  with  heat 
rash  or  scurf  on  the  nose. 

ChavioniiUa  frequently  cures  acrid  catarrh  with  ulcera- 
ted nose  and  chapped  lijis,  one  cheek  being  pale  and  the 
other  red,  with  chills  and  thirst ;  this  condition  existing 
particularly  in  children,  and  when  it  was  brought  on  by 
suppressed  perspiration. 

For  catarrh,  which  lasts  long  or  returns  again  and 
again,  the  nose  either  running  or  stopped  up,  give  Silicca ; 
afterwards  Calcarca,  particularly  to  teething  children. 

When  the  catarrh  has  been  suppressed,  and  headache 
is  the  result,  give  Aconite,  and  if  the  discharge  does  not 
return  soon,  Pulsatilla  or  Cinchona.  If  the  pains  are  ex- 
cessively violent,  particularly  over  the  left  eye,  then  give 
Spigelia;  if  in  the  whole  forehead  or  worse  on  the  right 
side  and  more  throbbing,  the  mucus  being  very  yellow 
and  like  pus.  Belladonna.  If  the  pain  always  returns  for  a 
few  hours  in  the  evening,  give  Arsenicum;  should  the 
chest  be  affected  and  difficulty  of  breathing  occur,  Ipe- 


194  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

cacuanha,  and  if  the  patient  does  not  improve,  Bryonia,  or 
Arsenicum.  See  "Asthma."  Let  the  patient  drink  hot 
water,  with  milk  and  sugar,  and  let  the  vapor  of  hot  water 
be  inhaled  through  the  nostrils.  If  none  of  these  medi- 
cines afford  relief,  give  Sulphur. 

If  the  catarrli  ig  connected  with  other  complaints,  particularly  with  those 
mentioned  in  the  subsequent  chapters — such  as  affections  of  tlie  chest, 
hoarseness  or  cough,  look  under  these  respective  heads  for  tlie  necessary 
remedies. 

Kcver  suppress  a  catarrh  either  by  cold  or  by  drugs;  it  is  always  a  pu- 
rifying process.  Nobody  takes  cold  who  has  no  impurities  in  his  system. 
One  is  much  more  liable  to  catch  cold  after  eating  or  drinking  acrid  or 
indigestible  things.  Many  children  will  not  get  rid  of  a  cold  as  long  as 
they  indulge  in  too  much  sugar,  syrup  and  other  sweets.  There  are  whole 
families,  each  member  of  which  will  have  a  cold  in  the  liead  for  three  days 
every  time  they  e.at  roasted  goose,  others  after  other  food.  As  dust  in  the 
nose  makies  people  sneeze,  so  impurity  in  the  blood  inclines  them  to  catarrh. 


CIIArTER    V. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  CHEST. 

HOARSENESS. 

Among  the  common  domestic  remedies  for  hoarseness,  there  are  many 
wliicli  are  decidedly  injurious;  and  others,  which,  if  tliey  do  good,  always 
leave  after  tliem  a  disposition  to  relapse.  Hoarseness,  wlien  it  returns 
frequently,  is  always  a  serious  complaint.  It  may  sometimes  be  relieved 
by  mixing  rock-candy  with  the  yolk  of  a  fresli  raw  egg  and  taking  this  two 
or  tlirce  times  at  night,  by  eating  fresh  raisins,  or  tying  a  woolen  stocking 
about  tlie  throat  at  night  which  has  been  worn  by  a  healthy  person;  a  per- 
fect cure,  however,  can  best  be  effected  by  the  following  remedies : 

Cliamomilla  may  be  given,  especially  to  children,  if 
there  is  hoarseness  with  catarrh,  tough  mucus  in  tho 
throat,  with  drj'ness,  burning  and  thirst;  tickling  exciting 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  195 

the  cough;  fever  in  the  evening;  the  disposition  cross, 
vexatious,  or  serious  and  quiet. 

Xux  vomica,  to  persons  of  sulky,  quarrelsome,  obstinate 
and  lieadstrong  di.sposition,  for  a  rough,  deep,  dry  cough, 
arising  from  dryness  in  the  throat,  with  pressure  and 
pain  in  the  throat,  the  mucus  cannot  be  loosened ;  attended 
with  alternate  chills  and  heat. 

ridsat'dla,  for  hoarseness  accompanied  with  stinging 
and  soreness  in  the  throat  and  palate ;  pain  when  swallow- 
ing; catarrh,  with  much  yellow,  green  and  offensive  dis- 
charge; a  loose  cough  and  pain  in  the  chest,  with  chills; 
without  thirst;  and  with  a  capricious  appetite.  It  is 
particularly  applicable  when  the  patient  has  for  several 
days  been  unable  to  speak  a  loud  word;  if  Pulsatilla 
does  not  suffice,  give  Sulphur. 

Mcrcurius  is  the  principal  remedy  when  the  voice  is 
hoarse  and  rough,  with  burning  and  tickling  in  the 
larynx — a  disposition  to  perspire  easily,  sweating  does 
not,  however,  relieve  the  patient,  and  when  every  breath 
of  air  aggravates  the  trouble. 

Phosphorus,  for  hoarseness,  with  cough  and  rawness  in 
the  larynx,  worse  in  the  evening;  cannot  talk  on  account 
of  pain  in  the  larj'nx.  This  remedy  will,  perhaps,  be 
more  frequently  required  than  any  other. 

Capsicuvi  in  hoarseness  accompanied  with  itching  and 
obstruction  of  the  nose,  or  with  cough  producing  pain  in 
different  places. 

Ph(s,  if  there  is  hoarseness  with  roughness  of  the 
throat;  much  sneezing  and  discharge  of  a  great  deal  of 
mucus  from  the  nose  without  its  being  a  real  catarrh,  and 
with  shortness  of  breath. 

Apis,  if  the  larynx  is  very  seiasitive,  the  throat  not  only 
rough  but  dry,  with  difficult  breathing  only  on  motion. 

Sambucus,  for  hoarseness  with  deep,  hollow,  dry  cough, 
which  occasions  catching  of  the  breath,  or  with  yawning, 
uneasiness  and  thirst. 


190  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

Carbo  vegctahiUs,  for  jJi'otracteJ  hoarseness,  worse  morn- 
ing and  evening,  and  after  talking;  it  is  also  etiicacious 
in  hoarseness,  following  measles. 

Silicea  for  hoarseness  accompanied  by  chronic  catarrh. 

Drosera,  in  hoarseness  with  hollow  and  deep  voice. 

Causticum,  in  obstinate  cases  of  hoarseness,  -when  the 
patient  has  no  other  complaint,  or  if  combined  with 
catarrh  and  cough,  soreness  and  rawness  of  the  chest  and 
occasionally  of  the  throat. 


COUGH. 

Cough  may  be  either  combined  witli  cold  in  the  head,  being  more  or  less 
to  the  chest  wliat  cohl  in  the  iiead  is  to  the  nose ;  or  it  may  arise  from  otlier 
diseases.  In  the  former  case  the  appropriale  medicine  should  be  selected 
from,  among  tliose  recommended  for  cold  in  the  head ;  in  the  latter,  the 
respective  symptoms  with  whicli  the  disease  is  attended,  must  be  talcea  into 
account.  For  instance,  if  there  is  a  dry,  hacking  cough,  violent  pain  in  the 
chest,  which  is  worse  wlien  breathing,  if  the  patient  was  taken  witli  a  chill 
followed  by  much  lieat  and  the  pulse  is  quick  and  hard ;  there  is  indanima- 
tion  in  tlie  chest,  and  you  have  to  administer  the  remedies  prescribed  for 
that  complaint. 

The  medicines  wliich  are  here  first  mentioned,  will  seldom  cure  a  cough 
of  long  standing;  you  must  have  recourse  to  tliose,  tlie  effects  of  which  are 
more  enduring,  and  which  are  described  towards  the  end  of  the  list.  In 
most  cases  an  obstinate  cough  can  be  cured  only  by  a  liomteopathic  prac- 
tioner ;  but  often  it  is  a  symptom  of  a  disease  wliicli  is  already  incurable. 

Nux  vomica  should  be  given  for  a  dry  cough,  which  is 
caused  by  a  rough,  scraping,  acrid  sensation  in  the  throat 
and  tickling  in  the  palate;  when  it  is  lasting  and  weak- 
ening, with  pain  as  if  the  head  would  burst,  or  a  sensation 
as  if  bruised  in  the  upper  part  of  the  abdomen,  with  pain 
afterwards  under  the  ribs,  particularly  Mdion  the  cough 
awakens  the  patient  early,  or  is  then  worse,  or  only  a 
little  mucus  is  ejected  with  much  effort.  Also  when  a 
slight  cough  lasts  the  whole  day,  with  pain  in  the  pit  of 
the  throat,  and  is  worse  in  the  evening,  but  better  during 
the  night;  when  during  the  night  the  breathing  is  op- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  197 

there  is  a  feeling  of  weight  upon  the  chest,  and 
the  patient  has  heat  and  a  parched  mouth.  For  ener- 
getic and  plethoric  patients,  who  drink  much  coffee  and 
spirituous  liquors,  Nux  vomica  is  j^articularly  suitable. 
It  also  answers  for  a  dry  exhausting  cough,  which  is 
worse  during  the  night  with  trifling  expectoration  in  the 
morning,  or  worse  from  reading,  thinking  and  exercise. 

Chamomilla  should  be  given  for  a  similar  dry  cough, 
which  is  worse  at  night,  even  during  sleep,  and  arises 
from  a  tickling  in  the  pit  of  the  throat — something  rising 
in  the  throat  and  taking  away  the  breath — particularly 
in  children,  and  during  the  winter  after  taking  cold. 
Also  for  a  tickling  cough,  which  is  caused  by  talking,  is 
worse  in  the  morning  and  tevening,  but  which  ceases  after 
the  patient  gets  warm  in  bed ;  also  when  in  tlie  morning 
some  tough,  bitter  mucus  is  coughed  up. 

Ilijosci/amus  helps  a  dry  cough,  which  is  worse  at  night, 
and  prevents  sleeping,  especially  worse  when  lying  down, 
and  better  when  sitting  up,  with  tickling  in  the  wind 
pipe,  or  when  the  cough  comes  in  spasms,  sometimes  at- 
tended with  stitches  over  the  eyes,  or  with  soreness  in  the 
muscles  of  the  abdomen. 

Ipecacuanha  is  frequently  useful  for  children — even  for 
the  smallest — when  on  coughing  the  mucus  almost  suffo- 
cates them ;  when  the  cough  is  spasmodic,  or  affects  them 
so  much  that  they  can  scarcely  breathe,  and  they  become 
purple  in  the  face,  and  the  limbs  get  quite  stiff.  The  same 
remedy  answers  when  there  is  a  tickling  sensation  in  the 
larynx,  with  sensation  of  contraction,  the  cough  quite  dry, 
or  a  trifling  expectoration  of  mucus  of  an  offensive  taste, 
or  when  it  cau.ses  loathing,  nausea  and  vomiting  of  mucus; 
when  it  is  attended  with  pain  in  the  abdomen,  particularly 
about  the  navel,  or  a  pressure  upon  the  bladder,  as  if  the 
urine  could  not  be  passed,  or  there  is  a  throbbing  in  the 
licad  and  pit  of  the  stomach,  and  soreness  of  the  chest; 
after  the  cough,  shortness  (if  breath  and  sweat  of  the  fore- 
head; walking  in  the  cold  air  excites  the  cough  afresh. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 


Belladonna  for  a  similar  spasmodic  cough,  which  does 
not  allow  the  patient  to  recover  liis  breath,  which  shakes 
the  whole  body,  and  is  excited  by  a  constant  insupportable 
tickling  in  the  larynx,  without  any  phlegm  in  the  chest; 
or  as  if  caused  by  something  like  down  in  the  throat, 
particularly  if  the  cough  is  barking  and  aftei-wards  in- 
spiration is  impossible  for  a  while,  with  a  bursting  sensa- 
tion in  the  head,  with  a  feeling  of  pressure  in  the  nape 
of  the  neck  as  if  it  were  breaking,  or  for  a  cough  attended 
with  a  scanty  discharge  of  mucus,  mixed  with  blood, 
stitches  in  the  chest  and  on  the  left  side  below  the  ribs; 
tearing  pains  in  the  chest;  short,  quick,  anxious  breath- 
ing ;  chapping  of  the  lips,  red  face,  and  pain  in  the  head ; 
or  when  the  attacks  terminate  with  sneezing,  accompanied 
by  catarrh,  like  that  described  under  Hepar,  or  stitches 
in  the  hips  and  deep  in  the  abdomen,  as  if  something 
were  giving  way. 

Mercurius  for  a  dry  cough,  which  exhausts  and  shakes 
the  patient  much,  particularly  at  night;  or  a  tickhng 
cough  before  falling  asleep;  sometimes  attended  with 
spitting  of  blood,  piercing  pains  in  the  chest;  in  the 
case  of  children  frequently  attended  with  bleeding  of  the 
nose,  inclination  to  vomit,  pains  as  if  the  chest  and  head 
would  burst,  accompanied  by  hoarseness,  fluent  catarrh, 
or  diarrhoea. 

Carbo  vegetabilis  for  spasmodic  cough,  coming  on  several 
times  during  the  day  or  evening,  attended  with  retching 
and  vomiting,  heat  and  perspiration,  soreness  of  the  chest, 
white,  gray  or  yellow  expectoration,  coughing  up  of  blood, 
with  burning  pains  in  the  chest;  pain  in  the  larynx,  as 
from  ulceration,  shooting  pains  through  tlie  head. 

Capsicum,  for  a  dry  cough,  worse  in  the  evening  and 
during  the  night,  and  which  sometimes  excites  vomiting; 
pains  shooting  through  different  limbs;  rending  head- 
ache; sometimes  accompanied  by  oi:)pressive  pains  in  the 
throat  and  ears,  or  with  drawing  pains  from  the  chest  to 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    cnEST.  199 

tlie  throat,  stitches  in  the  chest  and  back,  or  pressure  on 
the  bladder  and  shooting  pains  in  that  region,  or  stinging 
and  tearing  pains  from  the  hips  to  the  knees  and  feet. 

Apis  fur  a  cough  which  is  caused  by  a  tickling  in  the 
pit  of  the  throat,  worse  in  the  cv/cning,  or  before  midnight, 
after  lying  down,  or  after  sleeping,  and  which  is  better  as 
soon  as  any  phlegm  is  raised;  with  headache  and  short- 
ness of  breath;  after  a  rash,  particularly  nettle-rash, 
which  had  preceded  it  or  which  did  not  develop  com- 
pletely. 

Bhus  for  a  dry,  short  night-cough,  commencing  with  a 
ticklmg  in  the  chest,  which  causes  agitation  and  asthma, 
particularly  in  the  evening  and  before  midnight,  whereby 
the  head  and  chest  are  shaken  a  great  deal;  or  with 
tightness  and  shooting  pain  in  the  chest,  pains  in  the 
stomach,  sometimes  stitches  in  the  thighs;  particularly 
when  the  cold  air  makes  it  worse,  and  heat  and  exercise 
affect  it  favorably;  also  for  cough  with  a  taste  of  blood  in 
the  mouth. 

Nux  moschata  for  a  cough,  which  gets  much  worse  after 
one  becomes  warm  in  bed;  for  a  dry  cough  with  loss  of 
breath;  after  taking  cold  from  wet  feet,  or  standing  in 
the  water ;  after  being  overheated  from  hard  work ;  par- 
ticularly for  those  who  easily  become  hoarse  when  walk- 
ing against  the  wind  and  who  have  a  cool,  dry  skin,  and 
like  warmth,  and  are  made  absent-minded  by  taking 
cold;  in  general  for  inconstant  people. 

Cina  for  a  dry  cough,  at  times  accompanied  by  expec- 
toration of  mucus;  in  children  who  .start  suddenly  as  if 
they  were  losing  their  senses;  afterwards  with  anxious 
gasping  for  breath,  moaning  and  paleness,  or  a  hoarse, 
hacking  cough  every  evening,  particularly  in  children 
who  have  worms;  or  at  the  same  time  fluent  catarrh, 
with  a  burning  sensation  in  the  nose,  and  violent  sneez- 
ing, which  makes  them  cry;  also  when  they  object  to 
being  touched. 


! 


ZW  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

Ignatla  for  a  dry  cough,  during  the  day  as  well  as  by 
night,  with  a  sensation  as  if  there  were  something  like 
down  in  the  pit  of  the  throat;  worse  towards  evening, 
with  au  irritation  increasing  with  the  cough,  or  with  a 
feeling  of  contraction  in  the  pit  of  the  throat;  with  a 
fluent  catarrh;  in  persons  who  have  been  affected  by 
grief,  or  when  the  cough  grows  worse  every  day  after 
meals,  in  the  evening  after  lying  down,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing after  getting  up. 

Euphrasia  or  Cepa  for  a  cough  with  catarrh;  much 
sneezing;  running  and  soreness  of  the  nose;  when  the 
eyes  are  aifected,  are  red  with  aversion  to  light;  great  flow 
of  tears,  and  when  the  cough  causes  loss  of  breath ;  much 
rattling  of  phlegm  in  the  chest;  chilliness.  Euphrasia  if 
worse  during  the  day,  ^particularly  in  the  morning,  no 
cough  in  the  night,  worse  in  the  open  air  and  aversion  to 
it;  head  and  eye  symptoms  worse  on  the  right  side;  the 
tears  being  acrid.  Cepa  if  the  cough  is  worse  towards 
evening  and  during  the  night ;  if  the  loss  of  breath  comes 
on  in  the  middle  of  the  night;  head  and  eye  symptoms 
worse  on  the  left  side;  while  the  discharge  from  the  nose 
is  corrosive  and  the  tears  bland;  better  in  the  open  air, 
and  desire  for  it. 

Pulsatilla  for  cough  which  ceases  in  the  open  air,  and 
becomes  very  violent  in  the  warm  room,  also  when  the 
cough  is  dry  in  the  beginning  for  half  a  day,  with  retch- 
ing; then  attended  with  expectoration  of  mucus,  which 
is  easily  raised;  sometimes  streaked  with  blood;  in  the 
morning  much  yellow,  salt,  bitter,  disgusting  expector- 
ation, sometimes  accompanied  by  retching;  the  wind- 
pipe at  the  same  time  feeling  rough,  and  the  abdomen  and 
sides  sore  as  from  a  bruise,  or  there  are  shooting  pains 
in  the  arm,  shoulder  and  back;  or  the  urine  escapes 
whilst  coughing. 

Bryonia  answers  for  a  dry  and  for  a  moist  cough ;  for  a 
dry  one,  when  commencing  with  a  tickling  in  the  throat, 


AFFECTIONS    OF    TIIK    CHEST.  201 

or  ■when  the  attack  comes  on  after  eatiug,  and  is  so  bad 
as  to  cause  vomiting;  or  for  a  cough  which  begins  as  soon 
as  the  patient  gets  into  a  warm  room;  or  with  severe 
stitches  in  the  side,  and  afterwards  a  trifling  spitting  of 
blood ;  with  a  yellowish  expectoration ;  when  every  fit  of 
coughing  is  felt  in  the  head,  or  is  accompanied  with 
shooting  pains  in  the  head,  throat  and  chest;  in  general 
for  a  hard,  shaking  cough  Avhieh  causes  pain  in  the  head 
and  abdomen. 

Cinchona  when  there  is  an  inclination  to  a  short  hack- 
ing cough,  as  if  caused  by  the  fumes  of  sulphur,  without 
any  discharge  of  mucus,  which  is  present,  however,  in  the 
larynx,  and  causes  a  whistling  noise  when  breathing;  the 
expectoration  which  follows  is  streaked  with  blood;  with 
pressing,  stinging  pains  in  the  chest  and  windpipe;  or 
consists  of  a  clear,  tough  mucus,  which  is  diffipult  to 
loosen,  with  pains  in  the  shoulders,  sometimes  accom- 
panied by  vomiting  of  bile;  and  for  cough  after  hemor- 
rhage from  the  lungs. 

Arnica  for  cough  with  expectoration  '  of  mucus  and 
clotted  blood,  or  light,  frothy  blood,  at  the  same  time 
asthma;  oppression  of  the  chest;  the  ribs  and  the'abdo- 
men  feeling  as  if  bruised  and  lacerated;  stitches  in  the 
head,  chest,  abdomen,  and  small  of  the  back;  also  for 
loose  or  dry  cough  in  children,  early  in  the  morning  or 
when  asleep,  with  crying  and  screaming. 

Vcratrum  for  a  deep  hollow  cough,  as  if  proceeding 
from  the  abdomen,  with  griping,  salivation,  blue  face, 
involuntary  urination,  violent  pains  in  the  side,  and  at 
the  same  time  difficulty  of  breathing  and  great  weakness, 
sometimes  accompanied  by  stitches  which  pass  downwards 
through  the  abdomen,  with  a  sensation  as  if  a  rupture 
were  about  to  occur. 

Arsenicum  for  a  loose  cough  with  but  little  expectora- 
tion, which  is,  however,  tough,  difficult  to  expectorate, 
and  causes  constriction  of  the  chest;  coughing  each  time 


202  AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    tllEST. 

after  drinking;  for  cough  during  the  night,  with  spitting 
of  blood,  and  burning  heat  all  over  the  body,  want  of 
breath,  extreme  fatigue  and  weakness;  or  every  evening 
dry  cough,  which  is  very  weakening;  with  oppression  of 
the  chest  when  going  up  stairs  and  in  the  cold  air ;  also 
palpitation  of  the  heart  and  agitation  during  the  night. 

Dulcamara  for  a  loose  cough,  particularly  after  taking 
cold,  with  hoarseness,  sometimes  accompanied  with  spit- 
ting of  bright  red  blood  during  the  night;  or  a  whooping, 
barking  cough,  excited  by  deep  inspirations ;  cough  from 
taking  cold,  aggravated  by  being  in  a  room,  and  by  lying 
still ;  better  when  moving. 

Droscra  for  a  loose  cough  or  for  a  dry  one,  accompanied 
by  hoarseness,  pain  in  the  chest  and  under  the  ribs,  so 
that  the  patient  is  obliged  to  hold  the  painful  part  with 
his  hands;  sometimes  attended  by  retching  and  griping 
in  the  abdomen,  when  the  expectoration  is  tardj';  vomit- 
ing of  food  and  of  phlegm  and  water  afterward ;  discharge 
of  bitter  disgusting  purulent  matter;  or  with  ojspression, 
as  if  while  coughing,  the  breath  remained  in  the  chest, 
so  that  both  coughing  and  speaking  seem  impossible. 

Stapiiisagria  for  cough  with  expectoration  of  yellow 
mucus,  resembling  pus,  particularly  during  the  night, 
with  pains  as  if  caused  by  ulceration  under  the  breast- 
bone, collection  of  water  in  the  mouth,  occasional  spitting 
of  blood  preceded  by  a  feeling  of  scratching  in  the  chest, 
and  involuntary  discharge  of  urine. 

Phosphoric  acid,  for  cough  with  expectoration,  great 
hoarseness;  coughing  occasioned  by  tickling  in  the  pit 
of  the  stomach  or  jiit  of  the  throat,  dry  in  the  evening,  in 
the  morning  attended  by  a  white  or  yellow  discharge,  or 
of  dark  blood;  cough  with  oppressive  pains  in  the  chest, 
and  expectoration  like  pus;  when  coughing,  a  bursting 
headache,  inclination  to  vomit,  and  burning  in  the  throat 
and  chest. 

Silicea,  for  lingering  cough,  with  expectoration  of  much 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  203 

mucus  in  transparent  lumps,  or  yellow  pus,  with  pressure 
on  the  chest,  the  cough  so  shakes  the  patient  as  to  cause 
pain  in  the  throat  and  abdomen ;  or  a  deep,  hollow  cough, 
with  spitting  of  blood;  dry  cough,  with  pain  and  soreness 
of  the  chest;  or  a  cough  which  threatens  to  suffocate  the 
patient  in  the  night,  or  with  shortness  of  breath  and 
emaciation. 

Sulphur,  for  chronic  dry  cough  from  tickling  in  the  throat, 
coming  on  in  the  afternoon  and  continuing  till  toward 
midnight;  coughing  with  constriction  of  the  chest,  and 
retching ;  only  during  the  night,  preventing  the  patient 
from  sleeping;  or  dry  during  the  night,  but  during  the  day 
attended  by  yellowish,  greenish,  offensive  expectoration, 
or  thick  mucus,  pus  and  blood;  when  coughing,  single 
stitches  in  the  chest  or  under  the  ribs  on  the  right  side ; 
feeling  as  if  the  chest  were  about  to  burst  when  coughing 
or  sneezing;  the  chest  feels  narrow  and  full,  difficulty  of 
breathing,  whistling  and  rattling  in  the  chest,  palpitation 
of  the  heart,  the  patient  is  obliged  to  sit  up  during  the 
night ;  or  when  the  cough  is  attended  by  a  bursting  pain 
in  the  head,  blackness  before  the  eyes,  heat  in  the  head 
and  face,  but  cold  hands. 

Calcarea,  for  a  tedious  cough,  caused  by  tickling  as  from 
down  in  the  throat,  so  violent  in  the  evening  and  during 
the  night  that  every  blood-vessel  throbs,  or  in  the  night, 
during  sleep,  dry  cough  with  pain,  or  rattling  in  the 
chest,  particularly  in  very  fat  children^  where  Ipecacuanha 
suits,  but  does  not  suffice ;  for  cough  with  copious  expec- 
toration, particularly  during  the  day,  lumpy,  purulent, 
yellow,  greenish,  brown,  so  offensive  as  to  cause  vomiting; 
when  coughing,  a  stitch  in  the  side  and  chest  and  burn- 
ing in  the  latter;  tearing  and  shooting  pain  in  the  head; 
also  a  stitching  pain  in  the  side  when  breathing  deeply, 
when  moving  and  bending;  in  the  evening,  heat,  then 
chills  and  thirst,  night  sweats,  particularly  on  the  chest, 
great  weakness,  and  much  anxiety  respecting  the  malady 


204  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

Lachesis,  for  cough  excited  by  pressing  the  hand  upon 
the  chest,  the  patient  unable  to  bear  anything  about  the 
neck,  coughs  during  the  night  in  his  sleep;  or  feels  a 
tickling  in  the  pit  of  the  throat,  the  whole  chest,  up  to 
the  shoulders,  feeling  sore,  with  stitches  in  the  side,  and 
spitting  of  blood ;  or  coughing  as  if  something  fluid  had 
got  into  the  windpipe;  or  violent  cough  from  ulcers  in 
the  throat,  with  retching,  hawking  up  of  phlegm,  and 
much  saliva  in  the  mouth;  difficulty  in  expectorating; 
the  cough  much  worse  after  meals,  after  sleeping  and 
after  rising;  at  the  same  time  pain  in  the  throat,  ears, 
head  and  eyes. 

Caiisticum  for  a  protracted,  dry,  short  cough,  or  for  a 
hollow  one,  with  excoriating  or  burning  pain  in  the  chest 
and  in  the  windpipe;  scraping  in  the  throat  and  rattling 
in  the  chest;  pain  in  the  hip,  as  if  going  to  burst  open,  or 
other  rheumatic  pains;  the  urine  escapes  while  coughing. 

For  chronic  cough,  choose  particularly  among  the  rem- 
edies recommended  last:  Causticum,,  Lachesis,  Calcarea, 
Sulphur,  Silicea  and  Phosphoric  acid;  but  should  they  not, 
though  agreeing  with  the  symptoms,  effect  a  permanent 
cure,  use  Staphisagria,  Dulcamara,  Arsenicum  or  Carbo 
vegetahilis.  The  remaining  remedies  are  most  efficacious 
in  coughs  which  are  not  of  long  standing. 

AVhen  a  cough,  appearing  suddenly,  is  accompanied 
by  pressure  in  the  chest,  difficulty  of  breathing,  pain  in 
the  throat  and  windpipe,  attended  with  soreness  and  raw- 
ness, especially  if  after  coughing  at  night  a  burning  sen- 
sation remains,  with  rough  and  hoarse  voice,  fever  and  a 
quick,  full  hard  pulse,  always  commence  by  giving 
Aconite,  and  from  five  to  six  hours  aftei",  or  the  following 
morning,  the  suitable  remedies  for  the  cough. 

But  when  the  cough  is  very  exhausting  and  suffocating, 
with  much  mucus  in  the  chest,  give  first  Ipecacuanha, 
and  a  couple  of  hours  after,  if  necessary,  another  suitable 
remedy. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  205 

Wlien  the  cough  is  rough  and  hollow,  and  there  is  barking,  or  whistling 
and  wheezing,  particularly  witli  children,  examine  what  is  said  of  whooping- 
tuugh,  croup,  and  suffocating  cough,  and  compare  the  remedies  there  pre- 
scribed with  those  indicated  here. 

In  recent  coughs,  with  cold  in  the  head,  it  is  always  best  to  keep  warm, 
and  guard  against  further  cold  for  a  few  days ;  but  this  ought  not  to  be 
carried  to  excess,  or  tlie  patient  will  become  more  and  more  sensitive  to 
cold.  For  children,  it  is  much  better  that  they  should  go  out  every  fair 
day,  and  be  waslied  daily  in  cool  or  cold  water.  Cliildren  who  are  liable 
to  get  their  feet  wet  should  wear  rubbers.  A  person  aflected  with  cough 
should  occupy,  not  a  cold,  damp  room  which  lies  to  the  north  or  northeast, 
but  a  dry  room  facing  the  south. 

Those  who  are  subject  to  catarrhs  and  conghs,  or  sore  throat,  will  be 
much  benefited  by  washing  and  rubbing  the  whole  body  every  day ;  it  is 
sometimes  useful  to  wear  a  black  or  white  silk  ribbon  around  the  neck,  or 
a  silk  stock  fitting  closely  around  the  neck ;  cotton  should  be  worn  next  to 
the  skin,  but  no  wool  or  flannel,  which  is  only  suitable  for  sailors  and 
otliers  who  are  frequently  drenched  to  the  skin  by  the  rain. 

In  cases  of  cougli,  particularly  in  children,  sweet  things,  as  rock-candy 
or  figs,  may  be  allowed.  Gum  arable  likewise.  All  other  things  are  inju- 
rious. Hon^y  is  good  in  some  cases,  but  must  not  be  used  wlieu  taking 
homoeopathic  medicine.  Goose  oil  or  chicken  fat  may  be  used  externally 
for  obstruction  in  the  nose  or  chest,  but  if  it  does  not  soon  afibrd  relief  it  is 
better  to  discontinue  it. 

Drawing  cold  water  into  the  nose  is  dangerous  in  cases  of  severe  catarrh 
— it  may  be  tried  carefully  only  in  cases  of  very  tedious  catarrh  and  cough. 
Foot  baths  are  only  allowable  when  an.xiety,  suffocation  and  a  small  hard 
pulse  accompany  the  cough ;  but  then  immersing  the  arms  is  still  lietter. 

Never  refuse  cold  water  to  a  person  wlio  suflfers  from  a  cougli,  although 
it  should  make  the  cough  worse  every  time;  and  force  no  one  to  take  warm 
and  intoxicating  drinks — it  is  a  practice  which  has  sent  many  a  patient  to 
the  grave,  and  subjected  otliers  to  long  and  severe  tortures.  Experience 
has  proved  that  cold  drinks  are  beneficial  in  all  cases  when  the  patient  de- 
sires it;  warm  drink  relieves  only  for  a  short  time  and  always  debilitates 
in  tlie  end.  Hot  milk  with  water  and  sugar  may  be  taken  as  a  sudorific  in 
the  evening,  but  no  decoctions  of  any  kind,  which  only  ruin  stomach  and 
skin. 

The  idea  that  purgatives  may  benefit  a  cold  is  a  foolish  superstition. 
They  are  not  only  useless  but  very  often  injurious. 

The  use  of  emetics  for  every  hollow  sounding  cough  for  fear  of  a  usually 
imaginary  danger  is  perhaps  more  excusable,  but  they  always  weaken  the 
stomach,  and  are  injurious  in  other  ways. 


20G  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 


WHOOPING-COUGH. 

This  affection  has  been  divided  into  three  stages,  the  first  or  febrile  stage 
resembling  ordinary  catarrh,  attended  with  cliilliness,  sliglit  fever,  depres- 
sion, increased  flow  of  tears,  sneezing  and  discharge  from  the  nose,  along 
with  a  dry,  fatiguing  cough,  which  returns  in  paroxysms. 

The  duration  of  this  stage  is  various — it  may  last  for  a  few  days  only,  or 
may  continue  for  weeks.     It  seldom,  however,  exceeds  a  fortnight. 

In  the  second — the  nervous  and  spasmodic  or  convulsive  stage — the  char- 
acteristic symptoms  of  the  disease  present  themselves. 

The  cough  becomes  excessively  violent  and  distressing ;  the  patient,  feel- 
ing its  approach,  runs  to  lay  hold  of  some  object  to  support  liimself  until 
the  paroxysm  is  ended.  These  paroxysms  occur  more  frequently  at  night, 
and  consist  of  a  series  of  forced,  quick  and  unequal  expirations,  which  fol- 
low each  other  so  rapidly  that  inspiration  is  impossible.  The  face  becomes 
swollen  and  livid ;  tears  are  discharged  copiously ;  the  veins  of  the  neck 
are  prominent ;  a  profuse  perspiration  breaks  out,  and  suflbcation  appears 
imminent.  Very  soon,  however,  short,  imperfect  inspirations  are  eflected, 
and  then  a  long,  slow  and  laborious  inspiration,  accompanied  by  a  peculiar 
noi.se,  which  has  been  conii);ii\'il  to  :i  wlioop,  and  from  which  the  disease 
takes  its  name.  The  pan.xysiiis  s. .Mutinies  succeed  each  other  every  five 
or  ten  minutes,  in  other  cases  not  niorc  than  four  or  five  occur  during  the 
twenty-four  hours.  They  are  usually  terminated  by  a  fit  of  coughing  and 
discharge  of  ropy  mucus,  or  by  an  attack  of  vomiting.  It  is  not  an  uncom- 
mon occurrence  for  blood  to  be  discharged  from  the  nose,  and  occasionally 
from  the  mouth  and  ears,  during  the  paroxysm,  and  the  eyes  are  also  fre- 
quently greatly  injected.  Pneumonia  is  a  frequent  complication  of  this 
stage  of  the  disease. 

The  duration  of  this  period  is  various ;  sometimes  it  terminates  in  two 
or  three  weeks,  at  others  lasting  for  months.  The  average  is  perhaps  from 
two  to  four  weeks. 

The  third  stage,  or  the  stage  of  decline,  is  made  known  by  the  paroxysms 
growing  shorter  and  shorter,  and  less  violent  and  fre<nient;  the  whoop 
gradually  disappears,  and  the  cough  does  not  differ  from  that  of  ordinary 
catarrh,  and  gradually  ceases. 

Wooping-cough  is  almost  entirely  a  disease  of  childhood,  and  one  which 
very  few  individuals  escape.  It  usually  prevails  as  an  epidemic  and  is 
contagious.  It  is  probably  most  easily  communicated  in  the  second  stage, 
after  the  disease  has  become  ftilly  formed,  and  during  the  decline. 

Aconite,  when  at  the  commencement  of  the  disease  the 
cough  is  dry  and  whistling,  accompanied  by  fever;  the 
patient  complains  of  a  Inirning  pain  in  the  larynx,  and 
sometimes  points  to  it  with  the  finger. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  207 

Dulcamara,  if  the  attack  was  apparently  brought  on  by 
a  severe  cold;  the  cough  loose  and  expectoration  copious, 
accompanied  by  hoarseness. 

Pulsatilla,  for  loose  cough  with  vomiting. 

Nuz  vomica.  Cough  dry,  accompanied  by  vomiting  and 
great  agitation,  blueness  of  the  face,  fear  of  suttbcation; 
the  cough  coming  on  particularly  after  midnight,  and 
lasting  till  morning.  If  after  Nux  vomica  the  cough  be- 
comes loose  with  expectoration,  give  Pulsatilla.  If  vomit- 
ing ceases  but  fear  of  suffocation  continues,  give  Ipecacu- 
anha. Should  the  cough  continue  after  Ipecacuanha  has 
been  given,  or  if  in  the  beginning  the  cough  is  spasmodic, 
with  a  hollow  sound,  and  the  attacks  come  several  times 
every  day  but  particularly  in  the  morning  and  before  mid- 
night; if  the  throat  is  red  with  pain  on  swallowing,  the 
eyes  weeping,  give  Carbo  vegetabilis.  It  is  also  indicated 
when  children  complain  of  stitching  pains  in  the  head, 
pains  in  the  chest  and  throat,  or  have  an  eruption  on  the 
head  or  body.  This  remedy  is  also  useful  in  the  third 
stage  of  the  disease. 

Belladonna,  if  in  the  beginning  the  cough  is  dry  and 
hollow,  or  harsh  and  barking,  worse  at  night,  with  con- 
gestion to  the  head,  and  headache  or  sore  throat. 

In  the  second  or  convulsive  stage.  Ipecacuanha,  Vera- 
trum,  Drosera  and  Cina,  will  be  found  of  most  benefit. 

Ipecacuanha  given  after  every  paroxysm  of  coughing, 
has  helped  many  cases. 

Veratrum  is  especially  indicated  when  there  is  great 
weakness,  fever,  cold  perspiration,  particularly  on  the  fore- 
head, with  quick,  weak  pulse  and  much  thirst.  And  also 
when,  during  the  paroxysm,  there  is  involuntary  discharge 
of  urine,  or  when  there  are  pains  in  the  chest,  the  abdomen 
and  the  groin ;  when  between  the  paroxysms  the  patient 
is  not  very  lively,  and  shuns  exercise;  and  the  neck  is  sp 
weak  that  it  can  hardly  .support  the  head ;  when  there  is 
great  chilliness  and  much  thirst,  and  no  inclination  to 


2U0  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

speak;  also  when  the  lx)dy  is  covered  with  a  dry  and  scat- 
tered eruption,  or  the  eruption  appears  on  the  hands  and 
face  only.  If  the  eruption  remains  or  is  brought  out  after 
Ipecacuanha  or  Veratrum,  wait  some  time  before  giving 
another  remedy;  if  the  cough  is  only  at  night,  give  Illius. 

Drosera  will  be  found  most  serviceable  when  the  cough 
is  worse  during  the  night;  the  patient  is  worse  at  rest 
than  when  in  motion;  when  the  chilliness  is  not  accom- 
panied but  followed  by  thirst, — the  sweat  is  not  cold,  but 
rather  warm,  and  occurs  only  at  night ;  or  when  the  cough 
sounds  loud  and  clear,  the  paroxysms  very  violent,  and 
either  unaccompanied  by  fever,  or  with  chills  or  heat. 

Oina  is  suitable,  when  during  the  cough  the  children 
become  quite  stiff,  and  after  the  paroxysms  there  is  a  gur- 
gling noise,  which  appears  to  descend  from  the  throat  into 
the  abdomen,  and  also  in  children  affected  with  worms, 
when  there  is  a  disposition  to  pick  the  nose,  with  griping 
in  the  abdomen,  itching  of  the  anus.  For  children  who 
have  had  worms  formerly  and  who  pass  large  round  worms, 
also  when  the  children  are  hungry  during  the  fever.  It  is 
particularly  adapted  to  selfwilled  children  with  black  hair 
and  eyes,  while  quiet,  tractable  children,  with  blue  eyes 
and  blonde  hair  are  more  affected  by  Belladonna. 

Calcarea  is  beneficial  if  the  cough  always  comes  on  while 
eating,  and  the  food  is  immediately  thrown  up. 

Cocculus  has  also  often  been  given  for  this  .symjitom, 
frequently  to  teething  children. 

Kali  carbonicum,  if  the  paroxysms  are  worse  after  mid- 
night, particularly  three  o'clock  and  more  frequent  in  the 
morning,  when  the  children  vomit  the  food  taken  the  pre- 
vious evening;  face  swollen  particularly  about  the  eyes, 
above  the  upper  eyelid  like  a  bag. 

Cuprum  metallicum  has  been  found  most  suitable  in 
cases  in  which  entire  rigidity  of  the  body  or  convulsions 
ensue  after  each  paroxysm,  also  when  there  is  vomiting 
after  the  attacks  and  rattling  of  mucus  in  the  chest 
while  coughing. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  209 

This  remedy  will  in  many  cases  produce  a  marked  im- 
provement, sometimes  indeed  shortening  the  duration  of 
the  disease  very  considerably.  xVfter  it  Veratrum  generally 
acts  most  favorably. 

Mercurim.  Cough  mostly  at  night,  and  occuring  in  two 
successive  paroxysms  which  follow  each  other  in  quick 
succession,  after  which  there  is  a  considerable  interval  of 
repose;  also  for  cough  with  vomiting  and  bleeding  at  the 
nose,  the  blood  soon  coagulates;  perspiration  at  night, 
with  great  sensitiveness;  it  is  especially  suitable  for  chil- 
dren who  have  suffered  from  worms. 

Arnica  is  useful  when  there  is  considerable  hemorrhage 
from  the  nose  and  mouth,  or  the  ej'es  are  injected  with 
blood,  when  blood  is  extravasated  round  the  eyes,  and 
they  appear  as  if  bruised,  and  also  when  each  paroxysm 
of  coughing  is  followed  by  crying. 

Hq)ar,  when  the  cough  is  diminishing,  but  is  still  dry 
and  hoarse,  or  hollow  and  ringing,  with  occasional  retch- 
ing, followed  by  violent  fits  of  crying. 

When  the  disease  has  for  a  complication  pneumonia  or 
capillary  bronchitis,  Ferrum  phosphoricum  is  often  useful 
and  may  be  given  when  there  is  much  fever,  the  cough 
becoming  dry  and  hard,  or  when  there  is  much  fine 
rattling  in  the  chest. 

Antimnninm  tartaricum,  taken  at  the  commencement  of 
the  whooping-cough,  will  in  some  cases  cut  short  the  disease, 
or  greatly  diminish  its  violence.  It  is  also  frequently  ben- 
eficial in  the  more  advanced  stages,  and  where  the  air- 
tubes  are  apparently  choked  up  with  mucus,  the  cough 
sounding  as  if  there  was  much  phlegm  in  the  chest,  which 
however  will  not  come  up.  The  face  of  the  sufferer  is 
perhaps  quite  bluish. 

The  third  or  doilininj;  siaye  requires  for  its  treatment  the  same  remedies 
which  have  already  lieen  recommended  in  the  first  stage  and  in  coiigli  or 
ordinary  cold,  and  must  be  selected  according  to  the  indicati<ms  there  given. 
Cliange  of  air,  when  it  can  be  had,  is  very  usut'ul  in  this  stage. 
1-i 


210  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

During  the  treatment  of  whooping-cough  the  diet  must  be  light  and  easily 
digestible,  and  all  kinds  of  stimulanta  scrupulously  avoided. 

Mental  emotions  should  also  as  much  as  possible  be  guarded  against,  as 
they  greatly  add  to  the  violence,  and  increase  the  frequency  of  the  attacks 
of  coughing ;  this  is  particularly  the  case  with  fits  of  auger. 


CROUP. 

This  dreaded  disease  can,  in  most  cases,  be  easily  cured  with  homoeopathic 
remedies,  so  that  scarcely  one-fifth  as  many  cases  prove  fatal,  as  when 
treated  by  the  old  method.  It  requires,  however,  great  attention :  parents 
ought  to  be  well-acquainted  with  the  symptoms,  as  it  is  always  a  dangerous 
disease. 

Children  are  usually  troubled  with  a  slight  cough  a  few 
days  before  the  croup  makes  its  appearance;  the  voice  is 
hoarse,  and  sometimes  the  cough  is  in  the  beginning  some- 
what hollow,  then  give  Aconite.  By  selecting  one  of  the 
remedies  recommended  for  "  Cough,"  the  complaint  may, 
in  some  cases,  be  prevented.  When  the  cough  is  hollow 
and  whecziim,  IL/Kir  should  always  be  first  given.  After 
this  Samlxii'ii.^,  Jli/nsrinmus  and  Cina,  or  Nux vomica,  ]'cra- 
trum,  Cliaiiioiiiilla  and  Drosera. 

If  children  wake  suddenly  at  night,  and  begin  with  a 
choking  cough,  either  from  want  of  breath,  or  an  accumu- 
lation of  mucus  in  the  throat,  give  Antimonium  tartaricum. 

Sometimes  croup  appears  without  any  of  these  premon- 
itory symptoms.  The  child  awake?  about  midnight  with 
the  croup;  the  cough  has  a  shiickiii--,  sliarp  sound,  like 
the  braying  of  an  ass,  or  like  the  atlmipt  at  crowing  of 
a  young  cock.  It  sounds  very  hoarse;  somewhat  shrill 
and  hissing,  or  quite  rough,  deep  and  hollow,  like  the 
hoarse  bark  of  a  dog.  The  patient  inhales  with  great 
difficulty  and  slowly,  and  emits  the  breath  in  jerks.  lie 
is  much  agitated  and  tries  to  obtain  relief  by  stretching 
out  the  neck. 

At  this  stage  the  disease  is  not  so  alarming  as  it  appears, 
but  it  sliould  not  be  neglected.     The  best  way  to  lessen 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  211 

the  agitation,  and  make  the  symptoms  yield  more  easily, 
is  to  bathe  the  arms  as  quickly  as  possible  in  very  warm 
water.  Let  both  arms  be  immersed  in  water,  as  warm  as 
the  patient  can  bear  it,  and  remain  until  the  choking 
cough  ceases.  At  the  same  time  give  Aconite  every  ten, 
twenty  or  thirty  minutes,  according  to  the  urgency  of 
the  case. 

In  most  cases  this  first  attack  soon  passes  off,  but  the 
child  remains  cross,  and  retains  the  hoarseness  of  voice. 
If,  during  the  night,  Ac&nite  has  been  given,  give  Hepar 
in  the  morning.  Keep  the  child  warm  the  next  day,  and 
on  low  diet;  do  not  let  the  child  sit  on  the  floor;  nor  must 
it  have  any  fruit,  not  even  grapes,  or  berries;  flannel  may 
be  put  round  the  neck.  In  the  winter  let  the  child  sleep 
in  a  moderately  warm  room,  and  give  Spongia. 

If  the  cure  of  the  disease  is  not  effected  in  this  manner, 
and  the  attack  returns  the  second  night,  the  child  com- 
plains of  a  burning  sensation  in  the  throat,  or  points  with 
the  finger  to  the  larynx,  which  is  very  sensitive,  particu- 
larly when  touched,  somewhat  swelled,  or  very  hot.  The 
paroxysms  become  more  violent,  as  if  the  patient  were  in 
danger  of  suffocating,  with  increased  fever  and  great  thirst. 
The  sufferer  falls  asleep,  but  soon  awakes  again  with  a 
worse  attack.  The  breathing,  during  sleep,  is  oppressed 
and  labored;  the  head  is  frequently  bent  back,  so  that  the 
throat  is  made  prominent  and  is  \ex\  sensitive  to  the 
touch.  If  Aconite  has  not  yet  been  given,  give  it  now  fre- 
quently. Bathing  the  arms  in  hot  water  is  serviceable. 
A  sponge  dipped  in  hot  water  and  applied  to  the  child's 
neck  as  hot  as  it  can  be  borne,  very  often  does  good  in 
this  stage.  Do  not  cover  up  the  head,  but  keep  the  feet 
warm. 

If  relief  follows  the  administration  of  Aconite,  and  the 
paroxysms  become  less  frequent  and  violent,  if  the  patient 
perspires,  all  will  be  well;  but  if  there  is  no  improvement, 
or  if  the  disease  becomes  visibly  worse,  notwithstanding 


212  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   CHEST. 

the  remedies  given,  and  the  danger  increases,  giA'^  in  a 
few  hours  Spongia;  and  if  this  does  not  soon  effect  a  change 
for  the  better, -ffepar. 

Sporuiia  is  indicated  if  the  voice  is  rough,  the  cough 
hollow;  the  l.ivathnig  sawing,  piping;  can  be  heard  for 
a  long  distance.  Hepar,  if  the  voice  is  only  lispmg,  the 
cough  crowing,  the  breath  a  mere  aspiration. 

If  the  breathing  grows  so  faint  as  to  be  hardly  percepti- 
ble between  the  attacks,  give  Bdladun na.  _ 

Spongia  is  to  be  preferred  if  the  atta.-lcs  are  worse  at  mid- 
nio-ht.  Hepar,  if  they  begin  towards  mornmg  or  grow 
worse  again,  if  the  cough  becomes  loose,  or  the  breathing 
makes  no  other  sound  than  a  little  rattling.  U  the  chil- 
dren sneeze,  particularly  on  awaking  from  sleep,  give 
nothing  more  until  they  grow  worse  again  and  then  com- 
pare to  see  which  remedy  is  best  indicated.  ^  ,  , 
Arsenicum  helps  if  the  children  have  formerly  often  had 
nettlera-h,  especially  just  before  the  croup,  if  they  grow 
wnr<c  -non  aft.r  midnight,  constantly  toss  about,  the  cough 
not  <listrt'ssing  them,  if  they  show  great  fear,  or  agitation, 
drink  often  but  little  at  a  time. 

Bellachnna,  if  the  cough  is  suffocating  and  comes  m  sud- 
den attacks;  face  red;  jumping  and  tossing  abom,  and  the 
paroxvsms  cease  as  suddenly  as  they  came. 

Sometimes,  when  neither  Spongia  or  Hepar  liave  been 
of  benefit,  a  teaspoonful  of  pure  vinegar  may  be  put  into 
a  glass  of  water  with  a  little  sugar,  and  a  swallow  given 
to  the  child  from  time  to  time  as  the  cough  is  bad. 

At  the  same  time  keep  the  child  as  quiet  as  possible, 
and  give  it  from  time  to  time  a  little  mucilaginous  drink. 
When  the  disease  advances,  the  hands  and  feet  become 
cold,  the  pulse  quite  small,  and  the  sufferer  throws  back 
the  head  as  far  as  possible  (by  no  means  force  the  head 
forward,  as  it  might  cause  suffocation);  the  belly  expands 
and  contracts  considerably  at  every  breath,  but  not  the 
chest,  at  the  same  time  a  rattling  is  heard  when  breath- 


AFFECTIOXS    OF    THE    CHEST.  213 

ing,  as  if  there  was  something  in  the  windpipe,  with  the 
cough  comes  retching,  and  finally  pieces  of  membrane  are 
sometimes  thrown  up.  The  child  is  no  longer  red  as  be- 
fore, but  pale;  during  the  cough  it  is  of  a  bluish  color  in 
the  face,  the  e3-es  start  from  the  head,  as  from  terror,  and 
the  child  grasps  convulsively  with  its  hands. 

If  the  above  mentioned  medicines,  Aconite,  Hcpar  and 
Spongia  have  been  given,  and  the  disease  attains  this  point 
notwithstanding,  try  Pliosphorus,  which  has  sometimes 
saved  a  patient  when  all  else  has  failed. 

Gouilou  reports  a  case  where  the  face  grew  pale  and 
bluish,  the  voice  was  entirely  lost,  breathing  was  a  labored 
piping,  occasionally  a  soundless  cough,  dozing  alternating 
with  restlessness  and  clinging  with  the  hands  (probably 
the  breath  was  cold)  in  Avhich  he  successfully  gave  Carbo 
vegdabilis.  Even  in  so  severe  a  case  do  not  despair — the 
most  inexperienced  homoeopathic  treatment  is  preferable 
to  the  tortures  of  the  Old  School. 

Pouring  very  cold  water  on  tlie  head,  nape  of  the  neck 
and  throat  has  been  beneficial;  this  should  always  be  re- 
sorted to  if  the  patient  grows  cold  and  struggles  with 
:uffocatio'n. 

Arsenicum  has  also  sometimes  relieved  such  cases,  and 
<ome  claim  that  the  vapor  of  liver  of  sulphur  has  given 
relief.     For  the  remaining  cough,  give  Chamomilla. 

For  the  lingering  hoarseness,  give  Hepar — if  this  has 
already  been  given,  Belladonna — should  this  fail,  Carbo 
vrgetabilis,  or  if  necessary,  Arnica.  For  other  remaining 
symptoms  select  a  suitable  remedj^  guard  the  children 
against  taking  cold  and  should  a  hollow  cough  return 
after  two  weeks  or  more,  particularly  during  dry  west 
wind,  repeat  Hepar.  During  and  a  few  days  after  conval- 
escense  give  the  children  no  fruit,  not  even  grapes,  as 
very  often  the  most  dangerous  relapses  have  ensued  after 
fruit. 


214  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    CHEST. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  CHEST. 

The  most  prominent  symptoms  of  congestion  of  the  chest  are :  sensation 
of  fulness,  weight  or  oppression  of  the  chest ;  palpitation  of  the  heart  at- 
tended with  anxiety;  short  sighing;  great  difficulty  in  hreathing,  etc. 

Aconite  is  serviceable  when'  there  is  great  shortness  of 
breath,  with  violent  heat  and  thirst,  constant  hacking 
cough,  which  disturbs  the  patient,  particularly  during 
sleep,  and  apprehension  of  danger.  It  will  be  found  valu- 
able in  persons  of  a  full  habit,  especially  females  of  sed- 
entary habits,  who  suifer  from  congestion  before  and  after 
menstruation. 

Belladonna  may  be  used  if  Aconite  is  insufficient,  or  if 
the  attacks  return  frequently,  and  also  when  the  head  is 
much  affected. 

Pulsatilla  for  good  natured  people,  particularly  women, 
if  it  comes  on  in  the  evening,  or  if  the  sleep  is  disturbed 
during  the  night  by  the  throbbing. 

Nux  vomica  for  irascible  people,  when  the  affection  has 
been  brought  on  by  sedentary  habits,  too  free  indulgence 
in  the  use  of  stimulants,  and  also  when  it  arises  in  conse- 
quence of  suppressed  piles. 

Ferrum,  Sulphur  or  Phosphorus,  will  also  be  found  use- 
ful in  some  cases.  Advantage  may  be  sometimes  derived 
from  dry  cupping  on  the  neck.  For  other  remedies  see 
"Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Head." 

Persons  subject  to  this  complaint  should  avoid  violent  exercise,  such  as 
running,  dancing,  etc.,  and  stimulants  of  all  kinds,  as  alcoholic,  vinous  and 
fermented  beverages  and  coffee;  they  should  use  moderate  exercise  in  the 
open  air,  drink  freely  of  cold  water,  batlie  the  chest  and  arms  daily  in  cold 
water,  and  not  sleep  too  long  in  the  morning. 


HEMORRHAGE  PROM  THE  LUNGS.    SITITIXG  OF 
BLOOD. 

When,  on  coughing,  a  little  blood  is  expectorated,  tlio  (bingcr,  in  most 
cases,  is  not  as  imminent,  as  many  imagine.    The  \>h)i>A  frequently  proceeds 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  215 

from  the  nose,  from  diseased  gums,  or  from  the  tlimat.  ^Vlu■n  it  is  really 
from  tlie  chest,  it  is  almost  always  aceompanied  liy  a  Miisation  :u>  if  coming 
from  a  considerable  depth ;  it  is  warm,  generally  lat-lcs  swcul,  the  taste  of  it 
precedes  the  rising  of  the  blood,  or  there  is  at  the  same  time  a  painful  and 
burning  sensation  in  the  cliest. 

Usiler  these  circunistances  everything  should  be  avoided  which  could 
too  much  tax  the  power  of  the  lungs,  such  as  long  and  hmd  .^iieakim;,  cry- 
ing, singing,  blowing  the  horn  or  the  trumpet,  all  viokut  cxcn  ise  id'  the 
arms,  or  quick  running,  ascending,  particularly  going  up  stairs.  .Sometimes 
this  disease  is  protluced  by  inlialing  the  dust  or  exhalations  proctetling 
from  such  substances  as  lime,  gypsum  or  plaster  of  Paris,  metal  filings, 
tobacco,  or  sulphuric  acid. 

When  the  discharge  of  blood  is  but  trifling,  and  is  accompanied  with 
consideralile  coughing,  a  remedy  may  Ireciiicntly  Ije  foimd  among  those 
recommended  for  "Cough,"  especially  such  aiimug  them  as  Belladonna, 
Meicuriiii,  Curbo  vegeiabilig,  PuLsatiiia,  Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Arnica,  Dulcamara, 
Staphinayriu,  Silicea  and  Lachesis. 

But  when  the  complaint  has  already  existed  for  some  time,  and  the  blood 
is  discharged  in  considerable  quantities,  or  when  it  commences  with  a  vio- 
lent hemorrhage,  there  is  danger,  but  not  to  such  a  degree  as  to  be  exces- 
sively alarming.  Fear  only  makes  the  matter  worse.  It  is  seldom  as  bad 
as  it  appears.  The  life  of  the  patient  is  not  usually  in  imndnent  danger, 
unless  there  have  been  several  previous  attacks,  or  the  patient  has  suffered 
long  from  other  diseases,  or  the  blood  flows  in  large  quantities.  In  many 
cases  the  bleeding  soon  ceases  of  its  own  accord.  The  most  important  ob- 
ject is  the  cure  of  the  complaint  after  hemorrhage  has  ceased,  for  that  is 
the  most  critical  periixl,  eitlier  from  a  return  of  the  hemorrhage,  or  from 
the  establishment  of  an  incurable  disease  of  the  lungs. 

On  no  account  allow  a  vein  to  be  opened  during  or  after  hemorrhage 
from  the  hings;  this  remedy  is  worse  than  the  disease,  for  it  invariably 
aggravates  it ;  but  it  is  fortunate  at  the  present,  that  few  physicians  offer  to 
bleed  for  this  complaint. 

Blood-letting  for  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs  is  most  injurious  in  the  case 
of  individuals  who  have  previously  suflfered  from  piles — and  where  the 
blood  only  takes  another  direction — or  in  women,  who,  instead  of  having 
their  monthly  periods,  have  spitting  of  blood.  In  these  cases  there  is  no 
danger  whatever  from  the  hemorrhage,  for  it  will  cease  of  its  own  accord, 
and  all  the  bad  consequences  may  be  prevented  by  medicine. 

After  a  heavy  fall  or  blow  upon  the  chest,  give  Arnica,  and  keep  the  pa- 
tient on  a  low  diet ;  if,  after  some  days,  pains  in  the  chest  and  fever  make 
their  appearance,  give  Aconite,  and  if,  after  this,  it  gets  worse  again,  repeat 
the  Arnica. 

You  may  also  tie  a  handkerchief  around  the  upper  part  of  the  left  arm, 
as  tight  as  the  patient  can  bear  it,  and  another  around  the  upper  part  of 
the  right  thigh,  and  if  this  does  not  arrest  it,  on  the  other  arm  and  thigh 
in  the  same  wav. 


216  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

When  the  hemorrhage  has  entirely  ceased,  loosen  the  bandages  gradually. 
While  the  bleeding  continues,  and  also  lor  a  considerable  time  after  it  has 
ceased,  the  patient  should  remain  perfectly  quiet  in  a  half  sitting,  half  lying 
position,  with  plenty  of  pillows  under  the  head  and  chest.  The  room 
should  be  kept  cool  and  well  aired  and  no  warm  drinks  or  stimulants  of 
any  kind  allowed  for  eight  or  ten  days.  The  food  should  be  light 'and 
easily  digestible,  and  the  drinks  principally  mucilaginous. 

AU  kinds  of  mental  excitement,  and  particularly  vexation  and  anger, 
should  be  carefully  avoided.  Advantage  wiU  also  be  derived  £i-om  sleeping 
awhile  during  the  day,  especially  before  meals. 

If  the  bandages  do  not  speedily  check  the  hemorrhage,  dry  cups  may  ba 
applied  to  the  abdomen  and  under  the  ribs,  also  on  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 
As  a  substitute  for  regular  cupping  glasses,  dip  a  piece  of  paper,  cotton,  oi 
other  light  substance,  in  strong  brandy  or  alcohol,  ignite  it,  throw  it  into  a 
tumbler,  turn  the  glass  so  that  the  paper  shall  fall  out,  and  apply  the  tum- 
bler as  quickly  as  possible  to  the  bare  skin.  The  closer  tlie  glasses  adhere, 
the  better ;  if  you  do  not  succeed  at  the  firet  trial,  repeat  the  experiment. 

Cloths  dipped  in  cold  water,  and  applied  to  the  lower  part  of  the  abdo- 
men, will  also  be  beneficial.  Ko  other  cold  application  should  be  made, 
but  small  pieces  of  ice  may  be  swallowed. 

A  little  fine  dry  table  salt  is  sometimes  administered ;  this  may  do  good, 
but  if  it  aggravates  the  cough,  it  should  be  dispensed  with. 

When  the  cough  continues,  and  brings  on  fresh  attacks  of  bleeding,  give 
the  white  of  an  egg,  mixed  with  sugar,  a  teaspoonful  at  a  time ;  or  put  a 
drop  of  sulphuric  acid  in  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  use  it  as  a  gargle,  or  take 
a  teaspoonful  every  five  or  ten  minutes. 

In  selecting  a  medicine,  we  should  endeavor  to  choose  one  which  will  not 
only  accelerate  the  cure,  but,  as  much  as  possible,  prevent  a  relapse. 

When  there  appears  to  be  great  danger,  select  either 
Aconite,  Ipecacuanha,  Arnica,  Cinchona,  or  Opium. 

Aconite  will  have  the  preference  when  the  slightest  at- 
tempt at  clearing  the  throat  l)rings  up  blood,  when  the 
patient  previous  to  the  bleeding  feels  a  sensation  of  ebul- 
lition of  blood  in  the  chest ;  the  latter  seems  full,  with  a 
burning  sensation;  palpitation  of  the  heart,  agitation, 
uneasiness;  is  worse  when  lying  down,  with  an  anxious, 
pale  countenance,  and  when  the  blood  comes  by  gushes, 
and  much  at  a  time. 

Ipecacuanha  may  follow  the  Aconite,  if  the  latter  has 
checked  the  hemorrhage,  but  there  is  remaining  a  constant 
taste  of  blood,  with  a  short  cough,  discharge  of  mucus 
mixed  with  blood,  nausea  and  weakness. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  217 

Arsenicum  should  be  given  if  the  Aconite  is  insufficient 
and  tlie  palpitation  of  the  heart  and  agitation  increase, 
and  prevent  the  patient  from  sleeping,  or  disturb  him 
when  asleep,  drive  him  out  of  bed,  and  are  accompanied 
with  a  dry,  burning  heat.  If  the  hemorrhage  returns 
again,  give  Ipecacuanha,  Nux  vomica  or  Snlj^liur.  And  if, 
after  these  remedies,  it  still  grows  worse,  repeat  the  ^rse?i- 
icum.  By  these  means  the  recurrence  of  the  complaint 
may  sometimes  be  prevented  and  the  disease  entirely 
cured. 

CiticJiona,  when  the  cough  which  had  been  very  dry, 
rough  and  painful,  with  a  taste  of  blood,  becomes  violent 
and  is  accompanied  by  constant  raising  of  blood;  when 
the  patient  feels  chilly,  witli  occasional  flushes  of  heat,  is 
very  weak,  wants  to  lie  down  all  the  time,  perspires  occa- 
sionally, but  not  long  at  a  time,  trembles,  has  dimness  of 
sight,  or  confusion  in  the  head,  or  when  he  has  lost  so 
much  blood  as  to  become  quite  faint,  or  pale  and  cold, 
with  twitches  in  the  hands  and  face.  Ferrum,  Arnica  or 
Arsenicum  will  sometimes  be  indicated  after  Cinchona. 

Ferrum  in  slender  persons  of  sallow  complexion  who  do 
not  sleep  well  at  night;  if  the  blood  is  brought  up  by  a 
slight  hawking,  not  in  very  great  quantities,  is  quite  juire 
and  bright  red,  if  there  is  pain  between  the  shoulders, 
asthma,  particularly  during  the  night,  the  patient  cannot 
sit,  feels  better  when  walking  slowly  about  and  yet  must 
frequently  lie  down;  is  very  weak,  particularly  after 
speaking,  and  the  cough  is  produced  by  any  considerable 
exertion. 

Arnica,  when  the  blood  is  clotted,  black  and  raised  ea.sily ; 
accompanied  by  asthma,  shooting  pains  and  burning  con- 
traction in  the  chest,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  great  heat 
over  the  body,  with  weakness,  almost  to  faintness,  and 
also  when  the  blood  is  raised  with  slight  cough,  is  bright 
red,  frothy,  mixed  with  small  clots  and  mucus,  sometimes 
accompanied  by  tickling  under  the  breast-bone;  coughing 


218  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

produces  shooting  jjains  in  the  head,  and  all  the  rihs  feel 
as  if  bruised. 

Pulsatilla  if  the  complaint  has  alread}-  continued  for 
some  time;  if  the  blood  is  black,  clotted;  if  the  patient 
becomes  very  nervous  during  the  night,  feels  cold,  com- 
plains of  weakness  and  pains  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
chest,  with  a  qualmish  sensation  in  the  stomach,  is  re- 
served, inclined  to  weej),  and  indisposed  to  exert  himself. 
After  Pulsatilla,  Secale  may  be  beneficial. 

Mhus  in  cases  similar  to  the  last,  but  when  the  blood  is 
of  a  brighter  red,  or  the  patient  is  more  anxious,  irritable 
and  uneasy,  the  symptoms  aggravated  by  the  slightest 
vexation,  or  when  there  is  much  tickling  in  the  chest, 
worse  at  night. 

Nux  vomica,  if  the  disease  has  been  occasioned  by  spir- 
ituous liquors,  or  the  suppression  of  piles,  from  cold,  vexa- 
tion or  other  causes;  especially  in  passionate  persons,  and 
is  accompanied  by  tickling  in  the  chest,  and  cough  which 
affects  the  head;  and  is  worse  in  the  morning.  Sulphur 
should  be  given  if  no  relief  follows  the  use  of  this  remedy. 

If  the  hemorrhage  arises  from  suppressed  menstruation, 
Pulsatilla  or  Bt-yonia,  sometimes  Cocculvs  or  Vcratrum. 

Opium,  when  the  discharge  is  very  thick  and  frothy, 
mixed  with  mucus,  particularly  for  old  people  and  persons 
addicted  to  drinking,  or  when  the  cough  is  worse  after 
swallowing,  accompanied  by  difficulty  of  breathing, 
asthma,  and  anxiety,  with  a  burning  sensation  in  the 
region  of  the  heart,  trembling  of  the  arms,  sometimes 
weakness  of  the  voice,  drowsiness  and  sudden  starting, 
coldness,  particularly  of  the  extremities,  or  heat,  especially 
of  the  chest,  without  sweat. 

If  after  Opium  there  appears  perspiration  on  the  chest, 
with  or  without  restlessness,  give  Mercurius.  Opium  may 
be  repeated  after  a  few  hours  if  necessary. 

Hyoscyamus,  when  the  hemorrhage  is  accomjianied  with 
dry  cough,  particularly  in  the  night,  when  lying  down; 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  Zi'd 

starting  in  sleep,  etc.;  also  in  persons  accustomed  to  ardent 
sjiirits;  it  will  follow  Opium  and  Nux  vo^nica  advantage- 
()usl\-  when  the}'  jirovc  in.sutHcient,  and  may  be  followed 
hy  Arscniaun.    ^ 

Belladonna,  when  there  is  a  tickling  in  the  throat,  which 
excites  coughing  and  aggravates  the  hemorrhage,  with  a 
sensation  as  if  there  was  too  much  blood  in  the  chest,  and 
pains,  particularly  stitches,  worse  when  in  motion. 

Dulcamara  for  tlie  same  symjjtoms  as  Belladonna;  if  they 
are  worse  when  the  jiatient  is  at  rest;  and  when  the  blood 
is  of  a  bright  red  color ;  the  attack  brought  on  by  a  cold ; 
or  when  the  patient  has  already  suffered  from  a 'loose 
cough  for  a  considerable  time. 

Carbo  vegetabilis,  when  there  is  a  violent  burning  sensa- 
tion in  the  chest,  even  after  the  hemorrhage  has  ceased, 
particularly  for  persons  who  cannot  bear  the  changes  of 
the  weather,  or  who  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  calomel. 

For  the  weakness  which  follows  bleeding  from  the 
lungs,  do  not  give  too  much  medicine,  good  diet  is  of  more 
consequence;  let  the  patient  eat  often,  but  not  much  at 
a  time;  but  .little  meat,  plenty  .of  milk,  and  occasionally 
eggs,  flour  prepared  in  different  ways,  and  let  him  take 
exercise  in  fine  weather.  If  he  remains  weak  notwith- 
standing, and  oversensitive,  give  Cinchona  or  Ferrum;  if 
he  "is  weak,  but  at  the  same  time  too  lively,  Coffea;  and 
if  cross  and  fretful,  Ignatia;  very  much  depressed,  Phos- 
phoric acid. 

BRONCHITIS,  INCLUDING  CATARRH  OF  THE  CHEST 
IN  CHILDREN. 

Tliis  disease  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
bronchia,  and  is  acute  or  chronic.  The  former  is  of  frequent  occurrence, 
alone  or  with  measles,  scarlatina,  small-pox,  whooping-cougli,  etc. 

The  most  prominent  symptoms  are:  chilliness,  succeeded  by  fever; 
hoarseness;  difficult  respiration;  severe,  frequent,  and  distressing  cough; 
at  first  dry  or  with  scanty  expectoration  of  frothy  or  viscid  mucus,  later 


220  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  CHEST. 

copious  and  streaked  with  blood;  constriction  of  the  chest  with  oppression; 
weakness,  foul  tongue,  and  loss  of  appetite;  rapid  pulse,  increased  difficulty 
of  respiration ;  paleness  of  the  lips,  anxious  countenance,  wheezing ;  on  ap- 
plying the  ear  to  the  chest,  a  louder  sound  than  the  natural  respiration, 
eitlier  rattling,  whistling,  or  droning,  or  harsh  and  broken,  according  to  the 
progress  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms  of  iwiprovement  are :  a  greater  freedom  of  breathing,  remis- 
sion of  the  fever;  altered  expectoration,  which  becomes  thicker,  whiter, 
and  diminished  in  quantity.  It  is  unfavorable  when  the  difficult  breathing 
and  debility  increase ;  the  face  becomes  livid,  the  body  covered  with  a  cold 
clammy  sweat ;  the  mucus  accumulates  rapidly  in  the  bronchial  tubes,  and 
the  cough,  which  has  become  feeble  through  the  exhausted  and  sinking 
energies  of  the  patient,  is  insufficient  for  its  ejection ;  delirium  appears, 
and  the  patient  is  carried  of}! 

The  frequency  of  the  disease  in  infancy  and  early  life  deserves  a  particu- 
lar notice.  It  is  generally  known  by  the  name  of  catarrh  on  the  breast;  it 
commences  as  in  adults,  with  the  symptoms  of  a  common  catarrh ;  the 
breathing  becomes  quick  and  oppressed,  and  from  the  increased  action  of 
the  diaphragm  the  abdomen  becomes  prominent ;  both  the  shoulders  and 
the  nostrils  are  in  continual  motion,  but  the  wheezing  is  often  more  marked 
than  the  difficulty  of  respiration,  and  on  applying  the  ear  to  the  chest,  a 
mucus  rattle  is  heard  over  almost  every  part;  expectoration  sometimes 
temporarily  relieves,  and  occasionally  the  mucus  is  expelled  from  the  air- 
passages  by  vomiting ;  the  countenance  is  pale  and  anxious,  and  somewhat 
livid : — these  symptoms  are  interrupted  and  relieved  by  occasional  remis- 
sions, during  which  the  child  generally  appears  drowsy;  but  they  return 
with  additional  severity,  and,  if  not  checked,  death  may  take  place  from 
suffocation.  Coughing  sometimes  produces  considerable  pain,  and  the  child 
for  that  reason  frequently  endeavors  to  suppress  it.  There  is  no  appetite, 
much  thirst,  although  when  the  disease  has  advanced,  it  is  found  difficult 
to  take  a  long  draught,  from  its  impeding  respiration  ;  this  is  very  observa- 
ble with  children  at  the  breast,  who,  after  eagerly  seizing  the  nipple,  will 
bite  it  and  discontinue  sucking,  cry,  and  throw  back  the  head,  and  after 
vomiting  up  the  phlegm,  continue  for  some  time  in  that  position. 

Aconite  may  be  given  when  the  skin  is  hot,  dry ;  the 
pulse  hard,  frequent;  there  is  hoarseness  with  a  rough 
voice;  a  short,  dry  and  frequent  cough,  as  if  excited  by  a 
ticlchng  in  the  throat  or  chest;  difficult  and  quick  breath- 
ing; anxiety,  restlessness,  tossing  about,  and  more  or  less 
thirst. 

.Pulsatilla,  if  tliere  is  less  licat,  more  coldness  of  the 
hands  and  feet,  le.ss  or  no  tliirst.  The  mucus  is  thick, 
yellowish,  sometimes  mixed  with  a  little  blood. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  221 

Ihrtar  emetic  in  all  cases,  when  the  rattling  of  phlegm 
in  the  chest  is  remarkable  from  the  first,  when  the  patient 
is  inclined  to  slumber  much,  often  with  the  eyes  half 
ojieu ;  cries  from  being  touched,  but  insists  on  being  taken 
up  and  constantly  carried  about.  Face  bluish  or  pale  and 
puffy.     Drowsiness. 

Belladonna,  when  there  is  severe  headache,  aggravated 
by  coughing,  oppression  of  the  chest,  and  constriction  as 
if  bound,  with  rattling  in  the  chest;  short,  anxious  and 
rapid  respiration ;  dry,  fatiguing  cough,  worse  at  night, 
starts  in  his  sleep,  child  cries  when  coughing. 

Lacliesis.  Oppression  of  the  chest,  with  short  and  hur- 
ried respiration  and  anxiety ;  dry,  fatiguing  cough,  some- 
times followed  by  the  expectoration  of  a  little  tenacious 
or  frothy  mucus,  after  much  effort,  occasionally  streaked 
with  blood;  symptoms  worse  after  sleep  and  in  the  after- 
noon ;  face  and  extremities  bluish. 

Bryonia.  Cough  dry,  with  pain  in  head  and  chest,  or 
cough  with  expectoration  of  viscid  mucus ;  in  some  in- 
stances tinged  with  blood ;  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  lips, 
excessive  thirst ;  stitches  in  the  chest  hinder  breathing. 

Phosphorus.  If  the  respiration  continues  oppressed, 
with  a  feeling  of  heaviness  of  a  jiart  or  of  the  whole  of 
one  lung;  dry  cough,  excited  by  a  tickling  in  the  throat 
or  chest,  aggravated  by  talking  or  laughing,  or  going 
into  the  open  air. 

Mercurius  is  useful  when  the  symptoms  are  accompanied 
by  excessive  perspiration  which  does  not  relieve.  Patient 
cannot  endure  either  hot  or  cold  air — tongue  is  coated  a 
thick  yellow — much  thirst  for  cold  water,  which  aggra- 
vates the  cough.  If  the  patient  has  a  cold  in  the  head, 
Avith  watery,  acrid  discharge;  nose  swollen. 

Ferrum  phosphoricum  has  been  found  use  fid  in  many 
eases  of  bronchitis  in  children,  when  considerable  fever 
exists,  with  fluslied  or  pale  cheeks  and  the  rattling  is 
lieard  all  over  the  chest — a  greenish  Avatery  or  slimy 
diarrhoea  is  often  present. 


222  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

Ipecacuanha,  if  there  is  mucus  rattling  in  the  chest,  and 
when  on  coughing  tlie  patient  is  almust  sufibcated  by  the 
excessive  secretion  of  mucus,  and  becomes  livid  in  the 
face;  shortness  of  breath,  and  perspiration  on  the  forehead 
after  each  fit  of  coughing. 

What  is  to  be  done  for  Chronic  Bronchitis  will  be  found 
under  the  head  of  "Cough." 

PALPITATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

The  causes  of  this  comphunt  will  frequently  indicate  the  remedies ;  it  is 
generally  produced  by  violent  emotions  of  the  miml,  or  by  the  use  of  ardent 
spirits ;  indigestion  is  also  a  frequent  cause.  Drinking  cold  water,  particu- 
larly before  going  to  bed,  and  eating  but  little  in  the  evening  is  the  best 
remedy  for.  young  people.  Persons  who  are  troubled  with  this  complaint 
usually  sleep  better  on  the  right  side  than  on  the  left,  and  prefer  to  have 
the  head  rather  high ;  they  must  drink  neither  coflee,  tea,  nor  chocolate. 

For  mental  emotions  in  general,  give  Aconite,  but  it 
will  soon  lose  its  affect,  if  repeated  too  often.  If  it  is  caused 
by  vexation,  give  Chamomilla ;  by  fear  or  anguish,  Fera- 
trum;  by  joy,  Coffea;  by  great  agitation  and  anxiety, 
either  Opium  or  smelling  of  a  bitter  almond  crushed,  will 
be  found  to  be  beneficial. 

With  pregnant  women,  when  connected  with  weakness 
of  the  nervous  system,  spasms  and  faintness,  when  it 
returns  frequently,  give,  from  time  to  time,  a  very  little 
old  wine  or  a  drop  of  brandy.  During  the  attack  it  is 
sometimes  better  to  give  a  spoonful  of  hot  water,  par- 
ticularly when  the  skin  is  very  dry.  Women  of  a  pale 
complexion  may  experience  some  benefit  from  smelling 
vinegar,  but  it  is  very  much  better  to  use  the  following 
remedies. 

For  plethoric  persons.  Aconite;  after  this,  Nux  vomica  or 
Belladonna.  In  persons  of  weak  nerves,  Ignatia;  and  when 
worse  while  lying  on  the  side,  Pulsatilla. 

Spigelia  is  an  important  remedy  for  those  who  have  pal- 
pitation often,  especially  if  their  breath  is  offensive. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  223 

iVkc  moschata  for  palpitation  with  fainting,  and  after- 
wards sleep,  particularly  if  preceded  by  exertion ;  or  for 
persons  who  are  inclined  to  faint,  or  have,  in  general,  the 
•  symptoms  of  Nux  moschata,  as  stated  under  "  Cough," 
"  Headache,"  etc. 

Cinchona  is  most  suitable  for  persons  who  have  been 
much  weakened  by  the  loss  of  fluids,  and  are  troubled 
with  a  sour  stomach,  much  wind  and  sleep  restlessly. 

Glonoine,  for  palpitation  after  sudden  cooling  off,  when 
over-heated,  from  violent  mental  emotions,  after  many 
rapid  changes  of  different  influences,  either  with  heat  of 
the  face,  quick  pulse,  or  beating  felt  in  the  head,  or  with 
the  face  pale,  ver}^  slow  or  scarcely  perceptible  pulse; 
labored  beating  of  the  heart  with  heaviness,  pressure  and 
heat  in  the  heart,  and  pains  into  the  back. 

Belladonna,  when  the  palpitation  of  the  heart  produces 
a  droning  sensation  in  the  head,  when  the  chest  feels  full, 
or  when  there  is  an  uneasy  and  throbbing  sensation  in  it, 
particularly  in  women,  after  confinement,  or  when  the 
milk  fails,  or  after  weaning.  In  the  latter  ca.se,  give  Cin- 
chona some  time  after. 

Sulphur,  for  the  same  symptoms  as  Belladonna,  when  it 
proves  insufficient;  especially  if  the  palpitation  is  conse- 
<inent  upon  the  suppression  of  an  eruption,  or  the  healing 
of  an  old  ulcer.  Also,  when  going  up  stairs  or  ascending 
a  hill  has  occasioned  palpitation  for  a  considerable  length 
of  time. 

Arsenicum  may  be  given  after  Sidj^hur,  wlieu  the  latter 
does  not  suffice,  particularly  when  cau.sed  by  su^jpressed 
eruptions  or  ulcers.  It  is  also  serviceable  when  the  palpi- 
tation comes  on  during  the  night,  particularly  after  mid- 
night, with  great  agitation,  is  very  violent,  with  burning 
heat  in  the  chest;  with  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  is 
worse  when  lying  down,  better  when  in  motion. 

Veratrum  is  suitable  in  cases  similar  to  the  last  men- 
tioned medicine,    when   accompanied    by    difficulty   of 


224  AFFECTIONS   OF    THE    CHEST. 

breathing  and  agitation ;  particularly  if  better  on  Ij'ing 
down,  and  worse  when  rising  or  in  motion. 

For  clironic  palpitation  of  tlie  lieart,  wlien  the  remedies  prescribed  give 
only  temporary  relief,  apply  to  a  liomoeopatliic  practitioner,  and  submit 
patiently  to  medical  treatment  even  tliough  no  decisive  advantage  be  im- 
mediately perceived,  otherwise  an  incurable  disease  of  the  heart  may  be 
the  result. 


ASTHMA. 

The  paroxysms  of  astlima  come  on  at  times  suddenly,  often  in  the  night 
during  sleep,  waking  the  patient.  There  is  a  desire  to  take  a  long  breath 
without  being  able  to  get  relief  from  tlie  sufibcative  sensation ;  all  the  mus- 
cles of  breathing  are  brought  into  play,  the  head  is  thrown  backward  and 
the  patient  must  sit  erect  with  the  arms  thrown  back  to  facilitate  breatliing; 
he  lays  hold  of  any  object  that  may  afford  him  support ;  the  inspirations 
are  quick,  and  after  each  expiration  a  distinct  pause  before  inspiring  again, 
as  though  the  patient  had  to  make  an  eflTort  of  the  will  before  breathing 
again ;  rattling,  hissing,  wliistling  sounds  are  heard  all  over  the  chest ;  he 
■wants  the  windows  or  doors  thrown  open,  that  more  air  may  be  admitted. 
The  face  is  pale  or  livid ;  the  eyes  anxious  and  protruding,  and  tlie  fore- 
head is  covered  with  a  profuse,  cold  sweat.  After  some  time,  fifteen  min- 
utes to  several  hours,  the  attack  ends  eitlier  suddenly  or  the  relief  conies 
gradually,  attended  with  belching,  yawning  and  cough,  with  expectoration 
of  a  little  mucus.  The  rattling  in  the  chest,  which  is  now  moist,  may  con- 
tinue for  some  time. 

The  causes  are  various :  atmospheric  changes,  odors  of  different  kinds — 
agreeable  and  disagreeable— smoke ;  dust ;  gases ;  metallic  and  other  par- 
ticles floating  in  the  air ;  chamomile  tea ;  ipecacuanha ;  vapor  of  sulphur, 
etc.  Also  irregularities  of  diet,  especially  taking  food  in  too  great  a  quan- 
tity, or  of  improper  quality  ;  abuse  of  alcoholic  liquors ;  the  suppression  of 
any  accustomed  discharge ;  overexertion  and  mental  emotions.  Asthma  is 
more  frequent  in  advanced  than  in  early  life. 

In  sudden  attacks  of  asthma  relief  may  be  obtained  hy  immersing  the 
hands  in  hot  water,  or  by  the  application  of  dry  cups  to  tlie  stomach  or  pit 
of  stomach,  in  tlie  manner  recommended  under  "Hemorrhage  from  the 
Lungs."  Bandaging  the  arms  above  the  elbow  is  often  beneficial,  the  left 
arm  first  and  afterward,  if  necessary,  tlie  right,  and  the  lower  limbs. 

When  the  attacks  originate  from  the  use  of  chamomile  tea  or  ipecacuanha, 
etc.,  smell  camphor  or  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  or  take  a  little  coffee  without 
milk.     If  caused  by  inhaling  the  fumes  of  sulphur,  PuhatiUa  is  better. 

For  attacks  which  come  on  immediately  after  meals,  or  after  a  nap,  when 
the  patient  cannot  breathe,  draws  and  stretches  tlie  neck  as  if  suffocating, 


AFFECTIOXS   OF   THE    CHEfe'T.  225 

the  tliroat  feeling  dry  and  too  narrow,  without  much  agitation  ;  cliewing  a 
little  ginger  mixed  witli  sugar,  may  be  beneficial. 

Weak  anise-seed  tea,  a  teaspoonful  taken  at  a  time,  especially  in  the  even- 
ing, is  sometimes  of  benefit  when  tlie  attack  is  brought  on  by  a  cold,  and  is 
accompanied  by  dry  cough. 

Persons  subject  to  this  complaint  should  take  warm  drinks,  occasionally 
rub  the  body  with  a  coarse,  wet  towel,  and  walk  in  the  sunshine. 

Attacks  of  asthma  as  well  as  other  pulmonary  diseases  which  are  brought 
on  by  inhaling  fine  dust,  as  frequently  happens  with  stone-masons,  millers, 
and  others  engaged  in  dusty  occupations,  may  be  guarded  against  by  wear- 
ing something  before  the  mouth  to  intercept  the  fine  particles  floating  in 
the  air.  Nature  lias  furnished  men  with  a  partial  safeguard  from  such 
causes  of  pulmonary  disease  in  the  moustache,  which  ought  never  to  be 
shaved  off  in  the  case  of  workmen  in  such  occupations. 

When  old  jiersons  sufier  from  shortness  of  breath  they  are  verv  apt  to 
say  it  is  old  age,  and  for  this  there  is  no  remedy.  But  this  is  not  the  case. 
There  Ls  no  reason  why  old  people  should  not  be  healthy,  or  become  so,  if 
properly  treated.  The  difficulty  in  breathing  is  often  caused  by  the  ribs 
becoming  staffer  and  not  moving  so  easily,  in  other  words  the  soft  cartilages 
harden;  when  this  is  the  case,  let  the  patient  drink  buttermilk  three  times 
a  week,  for  this  tends  to  hinder  the  hardening  of  the  cartilages,  and  to  soften 
those  already  hardened. 

Ipecacuanha  will  be  indicated  when  there  is  a  feeling  of 
constriction  about  the  chest;  panting,  rattling  in  the  wind- 
pipe, as  if  full  of  mucus,  which  seems  to  be  moving  up 
and  down ;  or  the  patient  feels  as  if  the  air  were  full  of 
dust,  which  prevents  his  breathing;  gasps  anxiously  for 
breath,  and  fears  suffocation;  the  face  being  pale,  and  the 
hands  and  feet  cold.  After  Ipecacuanha,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  give  Arsenicum,  Bryonia  or  Nux  vomica. 

Arsenicum  for  the  most  violent  attacks  of  asthma,  espe- 
cially those  occurring  in  consequence  of  suppressed  ca- 
tarrh, or  in  persons  with  weak  lungs;  when  worse  about 
midnight,  the  breathing  becoming  more  and  more  diffi- 
cult, and  there  is  a  rattling  in  the  chest,  with  agitation, 
moaning,  groaning,  and  uneasy  tossing  about;  or  parti- 
cularly when  old  people  are  attacked  by  it  when  walking; 
when  they  can  breathe,  but  the  distress  continues;  when 
there  is  a  pressure  at  times  about  the  heart,  worse  upon 
the  least  motion  or  exercise,  particularly  getting  into  bed. 


226  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 

If  the  attack  becomes  worse  again  after  the  administra- 
tion of  Arsenicum,  Ipecacuanha  will  be  most  suitable;  or 
sometimes  if  worse  the  next  morning,  Nux  vomica. 

Bryonia  or  Apis  are  of  great  benefit  after  Ipecacuanha, 
particularly  when  exercise  aggravates  the  disease,  and 
when  it  arises  from  suppressed  or  tardy  eruptions;  Bryo- 
nia, when  the  patient  sighs  often  or  is  cold;  the  paroxysms 
come  on  at  night,  and  are  attended  by  pain  in  the  bowels, 
with  inclination  to  evacuate.  Apis,  if  the  neck  feels  as  if 
it  were  compressed;  the  region  about  the  short  ribs  as  if 
crushed ;  more  on  the  left  side ;  if  the  warm  room  is  un- 
bearable on  account  of  the  heat  and  headache. 

Nux  vomica  and  Lachesis  are  often  beneficial  when  the 
patient  is  forced  to  sit  stooping  forward.  Ahix  vomica,  when 
preceded  by  great  mental  exertion  or  drinking  wine, 
brandy  or  coffee,  or  by  sedentary  habits  in  very  energetic, 
violent  persons;  when,  too,  the  warmth  of  the  stove  is 
agreeable  and  relieves.  Lachesis  for  discontented,  gloomy 
persons,  but  who  are  easily  excited,  particularly  if  worse 
after  sleep. 

Belladonna  is  most  suitable  when  the  attacks  are  uiade 
worse  by  motion,  and  the  patient  is,  notwithstanding, 
unable  to  rest;  the  paroxysms  are  worse  by  spells;  the 
respiration  at  times  deep  and  full,  at  others  quick  and 
hurried,  accompanied  by  a  dry  cough  and  fulness  of  the 
chest. 

Arnica  is  indicated  when  not  only  exercise,  but  even 
speaking  or  blowing  the  nose  aggravates  the  symptoms ; 
the  respiration  is  labored  and  oppressed,  with  shooting 
pains  in  the  chest. 

Cepa,  if  children  suddenly  awake  in  the  night  with  a 
suffocating  cough;  particularly  if  they  have  been  in  the 
open  air  during  damp  weather.  Etiplirasia  under  similar 
circumstances.  See  what  was  said  of  these  two  remedies 
under  "Cough."  If  the  chest  feels  as  if  laced  together, 
with  anguish  or  much  sighing,  and  if  the  constriction 
alternates  with  headache,  give  Glonoinc. 


Cinchona,  when  thfre  is  whistling  and  wheezing  in  the 
chest;  the  phlegm  in  the  chest  threatens  to  sutlbeate  the 
patient.  If  the  attack  begins  on  awaking  at  night ;  there 
is  inability  to  breathe,  unless  when  lying  with  the  head 
very  high;  the  patient  perspires  easily,  and  is  liable  to 
take  cold.  Sambucus  in  similar  cases  with  sweat  of  the 
throat,  particularly  in  children. 

Coffea,  in  very  sensitive  persons,  who  are  liable  to 
attacks  of  asthma  in  consequence  of  mental  emotions; 
when  inspiration  is  labored  and  consists  only  of  short 
jerks,  with  agitation,  uneasiness,  heat,  and  sweat.  If  this 
does  not  give  relief  in  attacks  of  this  kind,  it  may  be 
followed  by  Aconite.  Pulsatilla,  too,  at  a  later  period,  may 
be  of  service  for  timid,  lachrj'mose  patients;  and  Nux  vo- 
mica for  those  of  a  passionate,  fretful  temper.  If  mortifi- 
cation or  surpressed  vexation  is  the  cause,  Ignatia;  if  vio- 
lent vexation  and  anger,  or  quarreling,  Cliamomilla  or 
Staphimgria  will  be  probably  be  indicated. 

Chamomilla  is  also  serviceable  when  there  is  frequent 
inclination  to  cough,  without  actual  coughing,  with  great 
pressure  about  the  chest  and  heart,  or  when  the  patient 
cannot  perspire. 

Pulsatilla,  especially  in  women  or  persons  of  mild  char- 
acter and  the  attack  is  attended  with  giddiness  and  weak- 
ness in  the  head,  drowsiness,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  heat 
in  the  chest;  the  breath  seems  to  be  impeded  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  chest. 

Bkus,  when  there  is  very  violent  laboring  of  the  whole 
chest,  even  in  the  agony  of  death  it  sometimes  relieves. 

Sulphur.  Short  wheezing,  obstructed  respiration  with 
anxiety  and  fear  of  suffocation;  the  attacks  come  on  when 
lying  down  at  night,  or  during  sleep;  feeling  as  if  the 
chest  were  constricted;  with  sensation  as  of  dust  in  the 
lungs. 

Veratrum  is  often  suitable  after  Ipecacuanha,  Arsenicum, 
Cinchona  or  Arnica;  particularly  when  the  patient  is  almost 


228  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    CHEST. 

suffocating.  Also,  if  worse  on  sitting  up,  and  when  in 
motion,  with  pain  in  the  side,  a  liollow  cough  at  times; 
when  a  cold  sweat  breaks  out,  or  when  the  face  and  limbs 
become  cold;  particularly  when  partial  relief  is  obtained 
by  lying  cjuiet. 

After  suppressed  discharges  of  any  kind,  ulcei's  whicli  have  been  healed 
up  or  eruptions  suppressed,  asthma  is  very  apt  to  follow,  then  give  according 
to  symptoms,  Pulsatilla,  Ipecacuanha  or  Veratruin,  afterwards  Sulphur, 
Arsenicum  and  otliers.  These  must  be  chosen  by  previous  or  present  symp- 
toms, or  Ijetter  still,  consult  a  good  homa;upatliic  physician. 


PLEURISY,  STITCH  IN  THE  SIDE  AND  INFLAMMA- 
TION OF  THE  LUNGS. 

A  complete  description,  scientific  names,  etc.,  of  these  different  complaints 
would  be  entirely  out  of  place  in  a  domestic  work  like  the  present.  Here 
plain  descriptions  will  be  given,  without  any  learned  terms,  so  that  anyone 
can  understand  them  and  know  which  cases  are  really  dangerous.  All 
severe  cases  must  be  treated  by  a  homoeopathic  physician. 

The  chief  symptoms,  which  distinguish  these  cases  from  asthma,  are :  the 
great  difficulty  of  breathing  and  the  fever  which  is  present,  or  the  pain. 
In  inflammatory  diseases  of  the  chest  there  is  always  cough,  generally  with 
no  expectoration  or  only  a  little  thin  mucus,  sometimes  mixed  with  blood, 
or  frothy  and  brownish. 

Very  severe  stitches  when  breathing  are  not  always  a  sign  of  pleurisy ; 
if  they  are  not  accompanied  by  coughing  or  at  least  not  by  much,  if  they 
did  ni>t  coniinence  with  a  heavy  chill,  it  is  only /a/se  pleurisy  or  slilch  in  the 
side.  It  ciinimences  usually  with  rheumatic  pains  about  the  throat,  neck 
and  shoulders.  If  the  pain  shifts  its  place,  if  the  chest  is  painful  to  the 
toiich,  and  if  the  passing  of  your  finger  along  the  chest  Ijetween  the  ribs 
causes  pain,  it  is  false  pleurisy  and  not  inflammation. 

Such  cases  are  almost  always  cured  by  Arrdca;  if  that 
does  no  good,  take  Bryonia  or  Nux  vomica,  and  see  "Rheu- 
matism." 

The  pains  are  sometimes  lower  down,  there  is  difficulty 
of  breathing,  more  so  in  expiration  than  on  inspiring,  in 
real  pleurisy  it  is  just  the  contrary.  Give  Pulsatilla,  Arnica, 
or  other  remedies  for  rheumatism. 

If  one  has  rheumatic  pains  and  there  suddenly  ajipears 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    CHEST.  229 

the  sensation  as  of  a  heavy  load  on'  the  chest  with  great 
anxiety ;  if  the  heart  beats  violently  and  very  fast ;  if  the 
breathing  becomes  constantly  more  difficult;  if  coughing 
is  quite  impossible;  if  the  limbs,  from  which  the  pains 
have  disappeared,  are  getting  cold — there  is  very  great 
danger.  Some  cases  of  this  kind  have  been  cured  by 
Aconite,  and  after  it  no  longer  improved,  Pulsatilla  or 
Sulphur. 

Pleurisy  is  known  by  tlie  eliills  witli  wliich  it  commence.';,  by  the  fever 
and  eougli ;  llie  breath  is  hot ;  the  pnlse  hard,  that  is,  it  beats  liarder  against 
tlie  finger  of  a  pei-son  feeling  it,  than  that  of  a  healthy  person,  and  is  not 
so  easily  compressed ;  breathing  is  impeded  by  a  stitch,  commonly  under 
the  ribs  of  one  side,  and  tlie  patient  likes  to  lie  on  this  side;  coughing  is 
very  painful,  but  not  frequent ;  the  expectoration  is  slight ;  the  face  pale ; 
the  patient  would  like  to  talk,  but  is  prevented  by  the  pain  ;  towards  morn- 
ing the  symptoms  lessen,  and  the  skin  may  become  moist. 

Pleurisy  is  generally  not  very  dangerous,  but  the  consequences  are  some- 
times serious,  particularly  the  eflUsion  of  fluid  into  the  chest  which  may 
occur  from  a  pleuritic  attack. 

Aconite  is  the  chief  remedy  and  in  most  instances  it  is 
sufticient  to  effect  a  complete  cure.  The  medicine  should 
be  continued  until  the  pain,  heat,  thirst  and  cough  have 
sensibly  diminished. 

Bryonia  is  indicated  by  the  following  symptoms:  acute 
shooting  pains  in  the  chest  increased  by  inspiration  or 
movement  of  the  body;  dry  cough,  or  cough  followed  by 
expectoration  of  yellowish,  dirty  or  bloody  mucus;  op- 
})ressed  respiration ;  yellowish  tongue;  palpitation  of  the 
heart;  constipation;  bitter  taste,  nausea  and  sometimes 
vomiting  of  mucus;  aching  in  the  limbs;  hot  skin,  vio- 
lent thirst,  cough  when  lying  on  the  right  side. 

Sulphur  when  Bryonia  has  removed  the  pain,  if  there  is 
still  some  sensitiveness  remaining,  particularly  on  motion 
and  exposure  to  the  air. 

Although  these  three  remedies  will,  in  a  great  majority 
of  cases,  be  sufficient  to  effect  a  cure,  yet  it  will,  in  some 
instances,  be  necessary  to  resort  to  one  or  more  of  the 
following: 


'ZSU  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   CHEST. 

Belladonna,  if  the  fever  returns,  or  the  pain  and  diffi- 
culty of  breathing  continue,  and  in  those  cases  in  which 
there  is  violent  pain  in  the  head,  with  great  heat,  inco- 
herent talking,  etc. 

A')-nica,  against  pleurisy  resulting  from  external  injury ; 
also  in  cases  in  which  the  fever  has  been  subdued  by 
Aconite,  but  there  is  still  pain  and  difficulty  of  breathing 
remaining. 

Mercurius,  when  tlie  fever  has  diminished,  but  there  is 
still  a  good  deal  of  pain  and  difficulty  of  breathing  re- 
maining. 

Arsenicum,  in  protracted  cases,  when  there  is  extreme 
prostration  of  strength,  and  the  breathing  painfully  op- 


Cinchona,  in  those  cases  in  which  bleeding  has  been  re- 
sorted to,  and  the  patient  is  very  weak  and  debilitated. 
It  may  be  followed  by  Ferrum. 

Lycopodium,  Arsenicum  and  Phosphorus  are  chiefly  to 
he  relied  on  in  chronic  cases,  when,  tlirough  neglect,  bad 
management,  or  constitutional  predisposition,  there  is 
danger  of  consumption,  with  purulent  expectoration,  pro- 
tracted cough,  dropsical  swelling,  etc. 

iNFLAiniATiON  OF  THE  Li-Nos.  PNEUitoxiA  is  mtioh  more  dangerous 
than  pleurisy.  It  usually  lnvins  with  a  severe  chill;  the  fever  does  not, 
to  so  marked  a  degree,  iU(1(;im-  t.iwanls  morning;  the  skin  is  always  hot 
anil  dry;  pulse  at  first  .soft,  alurwanls  it  becomes  hard  ;  the  breath  is  hot, 
but  the  breathing,  though  not  so  much  impeded  by  stitches  as  in  pleurisy, 
is  much  more  rapid  and  remains  so  throughout  the  attack ;  the  pains  are 
more  pressing  in  the  middle  of  the  chest ;  coughing  more  frequent,  of  longer 
duration,  and  often  causes  headache;  the  face  is  usually  deeply  flushed, 
especially  on  the  side  corresponding  to  the  affected  lung;  the  patient  lies 
upon  the  back,  not  upon  the  side ;  wants  to  be  let  alone  and  does  not  like  to 
talk ;  sometimes  he  is  cross  and  don't  care  for  anything.  The  cough  is 
usually  dry  at  first,  afterwards  a  little  blood  is  brought  up,  mixed  with 
tough  mucus,  and  looking  the  color  of  iron  rust. 

The  danger  is  mostly  over  as  soon  as  the  e.xpectoration  becomes  copious 
and  thick,  with  frequent  coughing,  the  pressure  upon  the  cl 
and  sweating  occurs,  the  skin  remaining  moist. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST.  231 

Aconite,  in  the  beginning,  for  hot,  burning  skin,  hard, 
full  and  frequent  pulse,  rapid  breathing,  violent  thirst; 
great  anxiety,  either  accompanied  or  not  by  pain  in  the 
chest ;  dry  cough. 

BryoHia,a.{ter  Aconite,  for  the  following  symptoms :  cough, 
with  expectoration  of  tough  mucus  of  a  reddish  or  rusty 
color;  great  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  stitches  in  the 
side  or  chest;  pain  increased  by  movement;  mouth  dry, 
yellowish  or  dark  coated  tongue,  great  thirst  and  consti- 
pation. 

Hyoscyamus  sometimes,  wheii  the  brain  symptoms  pre- 
dominate. 

Ma-cur  ills,  when  the  fever  is  not  so  active ;  the  pain  and 
difhculty  of  breathing  still  continue,  with  profuse  sweats, 
which  do  not  relieve  the  symptoms,  the  pulse  weak  and 
frequent.  If  perspiration  breaks  out  on  the  chest  of  old 
I3eople,  MercuriiLS  is  indicated. 

Antimonium  tartaricum,  when  there  is  oppression  of  the 
chest,  with  much  rattling  of  inucus;  expectoration  of  frothy 
mucus;  great  weakness,  and  disposition  to  vomit  or  vom- 
iting of  mucus;  face  livid.  Especially  suitable  for  old 
people  and  infants. 

SulpJtur  is  the  most  important  remedy  and  following 
Aconite,  is  frequently  sufficient  to  complete  the  cure;  its 
chief  indications  are:  frequent,  weak,  faint  spells;  flushes 
of  heat;  feels  suifocated;  constant  heat  on  top  of  head; 
rattling  of  mucus  in  the  chest;  cough;  when  the  disease, 
after  other  remedies  have  been  given,  remains  stationary, 
Sulphur  will  nearly  always  bring  about  a  recovery  or  make 
such  a  change  in  the  condition  of  the  patient,  that  another 
medicine  will  finish  the  cure. 

If  the  inflammation  of  the  lungs  has  not  decidedly  de- 
veloped, if  the  cough  remains  painful,  if  the  breath  is 
crackling  and  like  sawing,  the  beating  of  the  heart  con- 
stantly accelerated,  give  Phosphornn;  if  a  yellow  pus- 
like   expectoration    remains,   strength    fails   and   night- 


232  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    CHEST. 


set  in,  the  patient  will  only  be  saved  by  Lycopo- 
dium;  when  the  expectoration  is  copious  and  slimy,  Dul- 
camara may  be  given.  But  such  cases  should  always  be 
treated  by  a  homoeopathic  physician. 

Occasionally  the  disease  takes  on,  especially  in  old  or 
very  feeble  persons,  or  in  those  who  are  intemperate  in 
the  use  of  alcoholic  liquors,  a  form  known  as  typhoid 
pneumonia.  Delirium  or  stupor  are  pre.sent  and  prostra- 
tion of  the  vital  powers  occurs;  the  tongue  is  dry  and 
brown,  teeth  covered  with  sordes;  involuntary  passages 
from  the  bowels  occur  and  twitchings  of  the  muscles  take 
place.  The  medicines  most  frequently  indicated  are: 
Arsenicum,  Lycopodium  and  Rhus. 

Arsenicum,  when  there  is  great  prostration  with  anxious 
restlessness;  much  thirst,  but  drinking  only  a  little  at  a 
time ;  face  pale  and  anxious ;  diarrhoea. 

Lycopodium,  cough  loose,  or  a  constant  tickling  cough ; 
circumscribed  redness  of  face;  sweat  without  any  relief; 
patient  is  always  worse  late  in  the  afternoon. 

Rhus,  extreme  restlessness;  tearing  cough ;  tongue  red  at 
tip;  prostration;  great  drowsiness;  hardness  of  hearing; 
involuntary  movements  from  bowels  and  urination ;  skin 
dry  and  hot. 

CONSUMPTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

I 

This  disease,  one  of  the  most  common  and  most  fatal, 
may  be  treated  in  the  beginning  according  to  the  symp- 
toms that  arise;  for  those  regarding  the  chest,  see  "Cough" 
and  "  Hemorrhage  from  the  Lungs."  Very  many  cases 
can  be  cured  if  treated  early  by  proper  medical,  hygienic 
and  dietetic  methods,  hence  a  physician  should  always  be 
consulted  for  any  person  who  with  a  cough  more  or  less 
severe  begins  to  lose  flesh,  or  to  have  night-sweats. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TUKOAT.  233 

CHAPTER  YI. 
AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    THROAT. 

SORE  THROAT,  INCLUDING  QUINSY. 

The  various  aflections  producing  a  troublesome  pain  in  tlie  throat  pass 
under  the  general  name  of  sore  throat.  In  order  to  examine  the  throat, 
plat'e  the  patient  in  the  light  near  a  high  window,  if  possible ;  let  him 
open  his  mouth  wide  and  push  liis  tongue  forward,  while  you  introduce  the 
handle  of  a  spoon  and  press  down  tlie  back  part  of  the  tongue,  but  not  with 
too  mucli  violence;  by  this  means  the  entire  cavity  of  the  throat  may  be 
examined.  Persons  not  familiar  witli  this  simjjle  procedure,  and  who,  of 
course,  must  needs  take  a  longer  time  in  the  examination,  should  first  let 
the  i)atient  open  his  mouth,  hold  back  his  head  and  put  out  his  tongue, 
that  they  may  examine  the  upper  part  of  the  tliroat.  Tlien  let  him  rest 
awliile,  after  which  let  the  mouth  be  opened  wide  a  second  time  so  that  a 
spoon  handle  may  be  introduced,  and  the  back  of  the  ttmgue  pressed  down 
gently,  in  order  that  the  soft  palate  with  the  tonsils  and  the  interior  of  the 
throat  may  be  exposed  to  view.  The  use  of  the  spoon  to  press  down  the 
tongue  may  often  be  avoided  by  directing  the  patient  to  open  his  mouth 
wide  and  draw  in  his  breath  forcibly,  the  tongue  then  generally  gfies  down 
and  the  soft  palate  up  during  the  inspiration,  or  if  the  patient  can  be  made 
to  say,  ah!  with  the  mouth  wide. open,  the  throat  may  be  seen  to  more  ad- 
vantage. In  children,  who  will  usually  resist  this  examination,  it  is  some- 
times necessary  to  put  a  cork  between  the  teeth ;  care,  however,  should  be 
taken  that,  in  pressing  down  the  tongue,  no  injury  is  done. 

Then  compare  the  symptoms  as  given  by  the  patient,  and  your  own  ob- 
servations, with  the  symptoms  of  the  medicines  recommended.  In  cases 
complicated  with  hoarseness,  look  under  that  section. 

When  on  looking  into  the  throat  white  or  gray  patches  of  membrane, 
which  lie  on  the  more  or  less  greatly  swelled  and  reddened  mucous  mem- 
brane, lining  the  throat  and  covering  the  tonsils,  are  seen,  the  disease  is 
diphtheria  and  it  is  tlie  most  dangerous  form  of  sore  throat.  For  the  treat- 
ment, see  Diphtheria,  Chapter  XIV. 

An  excellent  domestic  remedy  for  sore  throat  when  it  first  comes  on,  and 
one  that  is  instantly  availalile,  is  to  put  two  or  three  thicknesses  of  linen 
cloth,  which  has  been  dipped  in  cold  water,  aroimd  the  neck,  and  over  this 
a  roll  of  flannel  or  a  long  worsted  stocking.  The  patient  should  at  once  go 
to  bed  after  this  is  applied  and  often  he  will  be  surprised  and  delighted  to 
find  that  his  sore  throat  is  gone  by  the  morning. 

Men  who  suffer  fretjuently  from  sore  throat  should  allow  their  beards  to 
grow  beneath  the  chin.     Putting  a  woolen  stocking  around  the  neck  at 


234  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    THROAT. 

niglit  on  going  to  bed  is  also  good.  It  is  a  good  i.lan  t..  wash  the  neck 
every  morning  with" cold  water,  and  afterwards  to  ruli  it  wtU  and  not  to 
make  a  practice  of  covering  the  neck  too  warmly  on  going  out  into  the 
cold. 

Gargling  the  throat  with  irritating  substances,  is  an  old  and  pernicious 
practice.  When  the  throat  is  dry,  swollen  and  very  painful,  the  patient 
may  inhale  the  vapor  of  hot  milk  by  holding  liis  mouth  over  a  jug  half 
filled  with  it.  When  the  tliroat  is  dry  and  swollen  and  the  disease  acute, 
it  is  well  to  boil  figs  in  milk  and  inhale  the  vapor,  or  hold  pieces  of  the  fig 
in  the  mouth  or  drink  some  ul'  ihe  milk.  If  the  complaint  is  tedious  and 
swallowing  difficult,  boil  wlaat  siaicli  in  water  and  use  in  tlie  same  way. 

Aconite  is  to  be  given  when  the  patient  has  difficulty 
and  pain  in  swallowing  or  in  speaking ;  when  the  throat 
is  much  more  red  than  usual;  and  for  a  burning  pricking, 
or  contracting  sensation,  accompanied  by  fever,  an.xiety, 
impatience  and  uneasiness. 

Belladonna,  when  drinking  produces  spasm  in  the  throat, 
the  fluids  returning  through  the  nose ;  constant  disposition 
to-  swallow;  pricking  pain  on  swallowing  and  on  touching 
the  throat;  swallowing  difficult,  producing  spasm,  or  en- 
tirely impossible;  the  throat  feels  as  if  there  were  a  plug 
in  it ;  dry,  burning  sensation  in  the  throat,  and  a  disposi- 
tion to  hawk  up  something;  when  not  swallowing,  tearing 
pain,  extending  to  the  lower  jaws,  or  up  into  the  head; 
ulcers  in  the  throat,  which  appear  very  suddenly  and 
spread  rapidly,  tonsils  and  the  small  palate  (uvula)  swollen, 
and  of  a  bright  or  j^ellowish-red  color,  or  redness  without 
swelling;  violent  pains  when  swallowing  and  hawking, 
sometimes  even  when  speaking;  pressing,  shooting  pain 
in  the  tonsils,  which  seem  as-  if  they  would  burst,  the 
glands  swollen  outside,  accompanied  by  violent  fever,  red 
face,  throbbing  heailadic  mid  much  thirst;  profuse  saliva- 
tion, pain  in  the  lln'i'licnil,  and  furred  tongue.  During 
the  prevalence  of  scarlet  fever.  Belladonna  is  most  suitable 
for  sore  throat. 

Mercunus,  if  it  seems  as  though  a  hot  vapor  were  rising 
in  the  throat,  the  tongue  is  furred  and  flabby  with  de- 
pressed edges,  so  that  the  impression  of  every  tooth  may 


AFFECTION'S    OF    THE    THROAT.  235 

be  seen;  and  in  c-a.-^es  ^^ilnilal•  lo  Belladonna,  when  the 
latter  is  insuftiL-ient,  and  llic  throat  continues  swollen, 
very  red,  or  becomes  ulcerated.  When  the  ulcers  are  not 
painful,  and  appear  gradually,  Belladonna  is  of  no  use, 
but  3Iercurius  must  be  given;  after  Belladonna  or  Mercu- 
rius  the  patient  ought  particularly  to  avoid  taking  cold. 
In  quinsy  this  medicine  is  often  of  use  when  it  is  found 
impossible  to  prevent  the  formation  of  pus,  to  hasten  such 
formation. 

Hepar,  in  the  beginning,  especially  in  quinsy,  is  more 
suitable  than  the  preceding  remedy,  if  the  pricking  pains 
are  \'ery  violent  when  swallowing,  extending  to  the  ears 
or  to  the  glands  of  the  throat,  and  to  the  lower  jaw;  if 
tlie  patient  feels  as  if  a  splinter  or  a  fish-bone  were  in  the 
throat;  when  the  burning  in  the  throat  scarcely  allows 
the  patient  to  swallow,  with  stitches  in  the  swollen  ton- 
sils, and  a  very  disagreeable  taste  in  the  mouth,  the  gums 
and  back  part  of  the  tongue  swollen,  -with  abundant  dis- 
charge of  saliva;  in  the  evening,  chills  or  heat,  followed 
by  perspiration,  which  does  not  relieve;  uneasiness,  or  an 
aggravation  of  all  the  symptoms  during  the  night;  also 
worse  in  the  cold  air ;  accompanied  by  violent  headache 
and  drawing  in  the  nape  of  the  neck.  Hepar  may  be 
given  after  Mercurius,  particularly  after  taking  fresh  cold ; 
after  Hepar,  Mercurius  may  be  given  again  if  there  is  no 
improvement. 

Lachesis  may  be  given,  when  Belladonna,  Mercurius  or 
Hepar  have  appeared  to  be  indicated,  but  do  not  suffice; 
if  the  uvula  is  swollen;  continual  disposition  to  swallow; 
profuse  salivation ;  accumulation  of  phlegm  in  the  throat; 
bad  ulcers;  spasms  of  the  throat  which  prevent  drinking; 
the  throat  is  very  sensitive  to  the  slightest  touch,  even  to 
that  of  the  bed  clothes.  It  is  especially  indicated  when 
there  are  white  or  gray  patches  on  the  tonsils  or  throat, 
particularly  when  the  disease  began  on  the  left  side;  when 
croupy  symptoms  appear;  the  symptoms  are  worse  in  the 


A6b  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    THROAT. 

afternoon,  sometimes  in  the  morning,  but  always  after 
sleeping. 

Ignatia,  when  there  is  a  constant  feeling  as  if  there 
w'ere  a  lump  in  the  throat;  a  sore  spot  in  the  throat  when 
swallowing ;  acute,  shooting  pain,  which  sometimes  is  ex- 
perienced only  when  the  patient  is  not  swallowing.  Fluids 
are  more  difhcult  to  swallow  than  solid  food.  The  same 
remedy  answers  when  the  tonsils  are  swollen  and  ulcer- 
ated. Before,  however,  deciding  on  this  medicine,  com- 
pare what  is  said  under  Belladonna,  Mercurim,  Hepar  and 
Sulphur.  For  shallow  ulcers  on  the  tonsils,  give  Ignatia, 
and  afterwards  Lycopodium. 

jVu£  vomica,  in  cases  similar  to  those  mentioned  under 
Ignatia;  especially  for  a  sensation  as  if  there  were  a  swell- 
ing like  a  plug  or  lump  in  the  throat,  particularly  when 
swallowing;  with  pains  rather  pressing  than  shooting, 
worse  on  swallowing  the  saliva.  The  throat  feels  raw  and 
excoriated,  or  as  if  scraped  and  rough ;  the  cold  air  affects 
the  throat  painfully;  sometimes  the  uvula  is  swollen 
and  red. 

Pulsatilla  for  the  same  sensation  on  swallowing  as  de- 
scribed under  Nux  vomica,  or  the  throat  appears  too  nar- 
row, as  if  obstructed  by  swelling;  redness  and  sensation  of 
scraping;  dryness  of  the  throat  without  thirst;  shooting 
pains  in  the  throat  when  swallowing,  but  worse  when  not 
swallowing;  a  feeling  of  tension  in  the  throat;  the  glands 
of  the  neck  are  painful  when  touched;  the  interior  of  the 
throat  is  more  of  a  bluish-red ;  the  fever  is  unaccompanied 
by  thirst;  chilliness  in  the  evening,  followed  by  heat. 

Bryonia,  when  the  throat  is  painful  on  being  touched, 
or  on  turning  the  head;  swallowing  difiicult  and  painful, 
as  if  a  hard  substance  were  in  the  throat;  shooting  pains 
and  soreness,  attended  with  dryness,  or  a  feeling  of  dryness, 
which  renders  speaking  difficult.  These  symptoms  com- 
monly occur  after  being  overheated,  or  after  eating  ice  or 
drinking  ice-water;  they  are  Irw^uently  accompanied  by 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    THROAT.  237 

fever,  dry  moutli,  cither  with  or  without  thirst,  and  great 
irritability. 

Bhus  for  symptoms  simikir  to  those  under  Bryonia,  ex- 
cept that  the  pains  extend  further  down.  The  glands  un- 
der the  ears  are  mucli  swollen ;  the  patient  is  extremely 
restless;  a  bloody  saliva  runs  out  of  the  moutli  during 
sleep. 

Capsicum  for  symptoms  similar  to  those  previously  men- 
tioned; it  may  be.  given  when  the  other  remedies  fail; 
when  the  fever  continues  with  chills  and  thirst,  followed 
])y  heat;  the  pains  are  pressing,  the  throat  spasmodically 
contracted;  blisters  in  the  mouth  and  ulcers  in  the  throat, 
with  a  sensation  of  burning;  at  the  same  time  cough,  with 
violent  pain  in  the  throat.  It  is  particularly  indicated 
when  the  patient  wants  to  lie  down  all  the  time,  and  is 
disposed  to  sleep;  is  afraid  of  the  air  and  cold. 

Apis,  if  the  patient  is  always  chilly  and  afraid  of  the 
open  air,  yet  cannot  bear  a  closed  room,  particularly  not 
when  heated ;  if  he  is  hot,  but  not  thirsty ;  if  he  has  had 
nettle-rash;  if  the  tongue  and  throat  are  as  if  scalded; 
burning  blisters  on  the  margin  of  the  tongue;  dryness  of 
the  mouth  and  throat,  stinging  when  sw'allowing;  tough 
secretion  from  the  mouth;  tonsils  bright  red  and  swollen 
wit+i  stinging,  burning,  itching  pains;  the  throat  is  raw; 
looks  dropsical. 

Sulphur  for  frecjuent  or  constant  sore  throat,  particularly 
wdieu  the  inside  of  the  throat,  the  tonsils  and  the  small 
palate  (uvula)  are  swollen;  swallowing  is  impeded,  and 
besides  the  u.sual  pains,  peculiar  pricking  pains,  or  a  sen- 
sation as  if  there  was  a  lump  in  the  throat,  or  the  throat 
was  too  narrow,  with  soreness  or  dryness.  If  there  is  swell- 
ing and  redness  of  the  soft  palate,  give  Phosphorus ;  if  the 
uvula  chiefly  or  alone  is  swollen  and  red,  give  Lachesis. 

If  the  sore  throat  is  not  better  in  two  or  three  days  and 
the  throat  gradually  appears  to  close  up,  the  j)ain  being 
throbbing  and  stinging;  saliva  flowing  from  the  mouth, 


238  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

and  when  tr^dng  to  swallow  fluids,  they  come  out  again 
at  the  nose;  lying  on  the  painful  side  or  on  the  hack  be- 
comes more  difficult,  when  you  see  the  red  swollen  tonsils 
at  the  side  of  the  uvula  protruding  more  on  one  side  than 
on  the  other,  it  is  probable  that  suppuration  threatens. 
In  this  case  Silicea  will  often  be  beneficial;  sometimes, 
however,  according  to  the  other  symptoms,  it  will  be  bet- 
ter to  give  Hepar,  MeiTurius  or  Lachesis.  Relief  may  also 
be  obtained  from  warm  poultices,  rinsing  with  warm  milk 
or  gruel,  or  inhaling  the  warm  vapors  thereof.  As  soon 
breaks  the  patient  will  be  better. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   TEETH. 

TOOTHACHE  AND  SWELLED  FACE. 

Pains,  originating  in  the  teeth,  sometimes  affect  different  parts  of  the 
head,  as  the  lower  jaw,  tlie  ear,  the  upper  jaw,  and  tlie  hones  of  the  face ; 
and  pains  which  originate  in  tliese  parts  extend  likewise  to  the  teeth.  We 
append,  therefore,  "Face-ache"  and  "Swelled  Face"  to  this  chapter.  This 
connection  between  the  different  parts  of  the  head  shows  that  the  cause  of 
the  complaint  should  not  always  be  looked  for  in  carious  teeth.  Decayed 
teeth  are  sometimes  painful,  because  they  are  aflected  by  disease,  but  their 
being  decayed  teeth  does  not  necessarily  produce  pain;  they  may  decay 
and  break  off  altogether  without  any  pain  whatever ;  if  pain  were  occa- 
sioned by  decay,  the  tooth  would  ache  continually,  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  teeth  that  are  not  decayed  may  pain  most  violently.  What  is  said 
of  exposed  nerves  producing  pain  is  nonsense ;  any  one  who  knows  what  a 
nerve  is,  and  will  take  the  trouble  to  reflect,  will  soon  be  convinced  of  it. 
Extraction  of  teeth  is  only  allowable  where  there  exists  a  fistula,  suppuration 
at  the  root,  and  the  like.  :iii.l  :is  nu.sl  cf  these  can  be  cured  by  homoeopathic 
remedies,  together  witli  ilu-  -ri\  1,,  s  ,,i  a  good  dentist,  it  can  only  be  neces- 
sary in  the  few  incuralilr  cus.s.  ■.\ui\  in  children  who  are  shedding  their 
teeth  ;  in  all  other  cases  it  is  a  bad  remedy,  because  the  root  has  to  be  ex- 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  239 

tracted,  and  this  is  injurious  to  the  jaw,  as  the  root  may  remain  in  it  with- 
out causing  the  least  pain,  wlien  we  know  how  to  treat  it.  Wlien  the  teetli 
remain  in  the  jaw,  the  decay  communicates  itself  but  very  slowly,  except  in 
a  few  diseases  wiiere  the  decay  in  a  short  time  destroys  all  or  most  of  the 
teeth.  But  when  the  disease  is  of  this  nature,  extracting  does  no  good,  not 
even  if  all  the  teeth  are  taken  out,  for  in  this  case  it  will  attack  the  jaw. 
Let  no  one  believe  that  one  tooth  can  affect  another,  make  it  black,  and 
communicate  the  caries  by  contact.  This  is  the  doctrine  of  those  who  get 
paid  for  extracting  them,  but  who  cannot  cure  toothache. 

Most  of  the  tooth  powders  and  tinctures  sold  by  perfumers  and  chemists 
are  injurious.  The  teeth  and  gums  ought  not  to  be  picked  much,  and 
never  witli  any  toothpick,  except  quill  or  wood ;  one  must  be  careful  in 
drinking  to  avoid  extremes  of  hot  and  cold,  and  keep  the  teeth  clean  by 
brushing  them  with  a  soft  brush  and  pure  water  in  the  morning  and  after 
each  meal.  Do  not  be  content  with  brushing  simply  the  front  part  of  the 
teeth,  but  go  over  their  crowns  and  inner  faces,  and  when  using  the  brush 
on  their  front  surfaces  let  the  motion  of  the  toothbrush  be  up  and  down,  and 
not  across  the  surface  of  the  teeth  from  side  to  side.  If  a  tooth  powder 
must  be  used,  sugar  of  milk  is  the  best  one. 

The  most  pleasant  way  of  cleaning  the  teeth  and  removing  even  the  tar- 
tar is  with  sour  milk.  Rub  the  teeth  with  it,  and  then  rinse  the  mouth 
with  warm  water,  and  you  will  feel  how  clean  the  teeth  have  become. 

If  you  have  toothache,  make  a  timely  selection  of  one  of  the  following 
remedies,  and  in  most  cases  you  will  find  that  they  give  speedy  relief. 

The  worst  of  all  the  common  remedies  is  opium  or  laudanum.  It  is  al- 
ways injurious.  Pain  which  has  been  removed  by  opium  is  sure  to  return 
with  redoubled  violence  some  time  or  other.  But  it  is  very  seldom  the  true 
remedy,  and  when  it  is,  the  best  way  to  use  it  is  to  tie  a  piece  of  opium  of 
the  size  of  a  pea  on  the  outside  of  the  cheek.  Kreosote  is  equally  injuri- 
ous ;  in  many  cases  it  is  of  no  use ;  in  most  cases  it  only  allays  the  pain  for 
awhile,  and  produces  ulcers  in  the  mouth,  the  throat  and  the  stomach  ;  the 
mere  introduction  of  it  into  the  mouth  affects  the  stomach.  For  persons 
with  weak  lungs  it  is  very  injurious. 

When  the  toothache  evidently  depends  on  the  presence  of  particles  of 
food  in  the  cavity  of  a  decayed  tooth,  the  cavity  may  be  cleaned  out  by  a 
little  cotton  wound  on  the  end  of  a  piece  of  wire  or  tlie  end  of  a  knitting 
needle.     This  will  often  stop  the  pain  at  once. 

The  earlier  the  cavities  are  filled  by  a  dentist  the  better,  and  in  the  case 
of  children,  if  the  care  of  their  teeth  is  early  put  into  the  hands  of  a  compe- 
tent dentist,  there  need  be  but  little  trouble  from  decayed  teeth  or  tooth- 
ache; for  timely  attention  would  save  most  of  the  disastrous  loss  of  teeth 
and  the  terrible  suffering  consequent  on  the  decay  of  the  teeth. 

Persons  who  suffer  much  from  toothache  should  abstain  from  the  use  of 
cofiee  altogether;  it  is  generally  injurious  to  the  teeth.  When  homteo- 
pathic  remedies  are  used,  care  should  be  taken  for  a  long  time  to  avoid 
everything-that  would  interfere  with  their  operation. 


240  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

It  ought  to  be  observed,  that  one  or  two  globules  taken  on  the  tongue,  if 
it  is  the  proper  remedy,  or,  in  some  cases,  merely  smelling  the  medicine, 
will  give  the  patient  relief.  The  pain  frequently  gets  worse  for  a  short 
time  alter  taking  the  medicine,  but  wait  awhile  patiently,  and  if  it  begins 
to  abate  take  nothing  more,  until  there  is  no  longer  any  improvement.  If 
it  gets  worse  again,  and  the  symptoms  resemble  the  first,  take  the  same 
medicine ;  if  they  differ,  select  another. 

As  the  torture  from  toothache  is  so  common,  and  embitters  life  so  much, 
and  as  medicines  not  siutably  chosen  will  prove  inefl'ectual,  we  will  en- 
deavor, as  much  as  possible,  to  facilitate  the  selection  of  the  proper  remedy, 
by  showing  the  twofold  manner  in  which  it  must  be  found :  namely,  first, 
by  comparing  the  symptoms  with  the  medicines  adapted  to  them,  and  then 
by  comparing  the  medicines  with  their  respective  symptoms. 

In  the  first  place,  take  note  of  every  symptom  complained  of  by  the  pa- 
tient, and  note  also  the  remedies  which  are  recommended  for  each ;  then 
examine  the  symptoms  under  those  medicines  which  occur  most  frequently 
on  your  list,  and  see  whether  they  also  correspond  with  the  proper  symp- 
toms :  by  this  means  the  proper  remedy  may  generally  be  easily  discovered. 

It  should  be  taken  into  consideration  that  not  all  the  symptoms  men- 
tioned under  a  remedy  are  necessarily  to  be  found  in  the  patient,  but  that 
all,  or  at  least  the  greater  part  of  the  symptoms  of  the  patient  must  be 
found  under  the  remedy  selected. 

To  explain  this,  we  will  give  the  following  example: — A  patient  has  vio- 
lent tearing  or  drawing  pains  in  different  places,  and  tearing  in  the  gums 
(a) ;  sometimes  tearing  pain  e.Ktending  into  the  head  (6) ;  cold  air  causes  it 
and  makes  it  worse  (c) ;  it  is  mostly  worse  in  the  morning  (d) ;  accompanied 
by  determination  of  blood  to  the  head  (e). 

Among  the  different  symptoms,  we  find  for — 

a)  Pains  in  the  gums :  Mercurius,  Pulsatilla,  Staphisagria,  Ilepar,  Ar- 
senicum, Carbo  vegetabiliB,  Hyoscyamus,  Calcarea. 

b)  Which  extend  to  the  head:  Mercurius,  Staphisagria,  Nux  vomica, 
Charaomilla,  Sulphur,  Arsenicum,  Antimonium  crudum,  Khus,  Hyoscyamus. 

c)  Worse  in  cold  air:  Belladonna,  Mercurius,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur, 
Hyoscyamus. 

d)  Worse  in  the  morning:  Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Pulsatilla,  Phosphoric 
acid,  Staphisagria,  Bryonia,  IS^ux  vomica,  Cinchona,  Sulphur,  Arsenicum, 
Hyoscyamus. 

(■)  Determination  of  blood  to  the  head :  Aconite,  PulsatiHa,  Cinchona, 
Hyoscyamus,  Calcarea. 

After  striking  ottt  all  the  remedies  that  occur  here  only 
once  or  twice  you  will  find  that  Pulsatilla,  iStaphisagria, 
Sulphur,  Arsenicum,  occur  three  times,  Mercurius,  four 
times,  Hyoscyamus,  five  times;  now,  examine  the  symp- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  241 

toms  under  Hyoscyamus,  and  you  will  find  that  Hyoscy- 
amus  or  Mercurius  answers  best. 

The  remedies  in  italics  are  more  frequently  indicated 
than  the  others  and  are  therefore  of  more  importance. 

Most  in  the  Front-teeth. — Belladonna,  Causticum,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 
ChanicMKilla,  Cinchona,  Cofiea,  Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muri- 
ailniin,  A'«.r  mnta-hala,  Xkt  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid, 
Ehun,  Silict'a,  .Stai.lii>a.mia,  Sntphnr. 

Most  in  the  Eye  and  Stomach-teeth.— Aconite,  Calcarea,  Hyoscya- 
mus, Rhus,  Staphisagria. 

Most  in  the  Molars  or  Back-teeth. — Arnica,  Belladonna,  Bryonia, 
Calcarea,  Carbo  vegelnbilis,  Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona, 
Coffeii,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Nux 
vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Silicea, 
Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Most  in  the  Upper-teeth. — Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Carbo  vegeia- 
bilis,  Cinchoxa,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Phosphorus. 

Most  in  the  Lower-teeth. — Arnica,' Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegeta- 
bilis, Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Mer- 
curius, Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Bhui,  Silicea,  Staphis- 
agria. 

One-sided. — Aconite,  Belladonna,  Chamomilla,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica, 
Pulsatilla. 

On  the  Left  side.— Aconite,  Apis,  Arnica,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum, 
Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata, 
Phosphwtts,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

On  the  Right-side.— Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Coffea,  Laclicsis, 
Natiuiii  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphoric  acid,  Staphisagria. 

A  whole  Row  of  Teeth.— Chamomilla,  Mercurius,  Rhus,  Staphisagria. 

In  Decayed  Teeth.— Antimonium  crudum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calca- 
rea, Carbo  vegetabilis.  Causticum,  CharaomUla,  Cinchona,  Cofiea, 
Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vo- 
mica, Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus,  Silicea,  Sta- 
phisagria, Sulphur. 

In  the  Gums. — Antimonium  crudum.  Arnica,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Cal- 
carea, Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Hepar,  Hyoscya- 
mus, Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  moschata, 
Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sili- 
cea, Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Upper, — Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Natrura  muriaticum. 

Lower. — Causticum,  Phosphorus,  Staphisagria,  Sul])hur. 

Interior  of. — Arnica,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pul- 
satilla, Rhus,  Staphisagria, 

10 


242  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Gums  Swollen, — Aconite,  Belladonna,  Calearea,  Chamomilla,  Carbo 
vesetabilis,  Caiisticum,  Cinchona,  Hepar,  Lachesis,  Natrum  muri- 
aticum,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur. 

Painful, — Apis,  Arsenicum,  Calearea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causti- 

ciim,  Lachesis,  Mercuriiis,  Nux  moschata,  !Xux  vomica,  Phospho- 
rus, Stapliisaffria,  Sulphur. 

Bleeding'. — Belladonna,  Calearea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticiim, 

Lucliesis,  Mercnrius,  Nux  moschata,  Xux  vomica,  Phosphorus, 
Stiipliisagria,  Sulphur. 

• Ulcerated. — Belladonna,  Calearea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum, 

Hepar,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica. 
Phosphorus,  Staphisagria,  Silicea. 

Pressing'. — Aconite,  Arnica,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum,  Cin- 
chona, Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nu.x  moschata, 
Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

In'Wards. — Khus,  Staphisagria. 

■ Outward.— Phosphorus. 

Asunder. — Phosphoric  acid. 

As  if  from  Congestion  of  blood,  as  if  the  teeth  were  too 

close. — Aconite,  Arnica,  Belladonna,  Chamomilla,  Calearea,  Cin- 
chona, Coffea,  Jlepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla. 

As  if  Pulled,  lifted  out  or  wrenched.— Arnica,  Causticum,  Nu.K 
moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphoric  acid,  Rhus. 

Too  Long. — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia;  Calearea,  Carbo 
vegetabilis,  Cavslicum,  Chamomilla,  Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Na- 
trum muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

Loose, — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum,  Cham- 
omilla, Cinchona,  Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Na- 
trum muriaticum,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pul- 
satilla, Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

As  if  too  Loose. — Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius,  Rhus. 

Blunt  or  without  feeling. — Aconite,  Cinchona,  Dulcamara,  Ignatia 
Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Ifux  moschata,  Phos 
phorus.  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur 

As  if  Bruised,  Ulcerated. — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia 
Calearea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum,  Ignatia,  Natrum  muriati- 
cum, Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus. 

Burning. — Chamomilla,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica, 
Phosi,lionis,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus.  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

Gnawing,  Scraping,  Scratching  on  the  Nerves.— Chamomilla,  Nux 

voniic.-i,  Rhus,  St;ipliisagria. 
Digging. — Antiinoniuin  crudum,  Bryonia,  Calearea,  Cinchona,  Ignatia.   . 
Boring. —  liclladdnna,  Calearea,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum. 

Phospliorus,  PJKisplioric  acid,  Nux  vomica,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 
Jerking,  Twitching. — Apis,  Antimonium  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia, 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  243 

Belladonna,  Calcjirea,  Causticum,  Cepa,  Chamomilla,  Cofiea,  He- 
par,  Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pvhatilia,  Rhus, 
Sulphur. 

Drawing,  Tearing. — Antimonium  crudum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Carbo 
•I  Tefietabiiis,   Calcarea,   Cepa,   Chamomilla,   Cinchona,    Glonoine, 

IIvDsoyaiiiiis,  Lurhfcsis,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphoric  acid, 
Khii.sStaplii,vif;ria. 

Piercing. — AcDuile,  Antimonium  crudum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea, 
Causticum,  ChainomiUa,  Cinchona,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Nux  vom- 
ica, Nux  raoschata,  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla, 
Rhus,  Silicea,  Staphisagria. 

Beating,  Pnlsating. — Aconite,  Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Calcarea, 
Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Coffea,  Glonoine,  Hyoscyamus, 
Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Xatrum  muriaticum,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla, 
Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Intermittent.— Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Coffea,  Calcarea,  Cin- 
chona, Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Staphis- 
agria, i^iilphur. 

Constant,  day  and  night. — Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Causticum,  Natrum 
muriatioiiin,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

Daring  the  day  only,  better  in  the  night.— Mercurius. 

,  none  in  the  night. — Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Mer- 
curius, Nux  vomica. 

,  worse  in  bed, — .Vntimonium  crudum,  Mercurius. 

Worse  in  the  night. — Aconitum,  Antimonium  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Bella- 
donna, Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chammnilla,  -Cinchona,  Coffea, 
Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  mosch- 
ata,  Nu.x  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus, 
Silicea,  Staphimgria,  Sulphur. 

By  night  only,  not  during  the  AhJ.— Belladonna,  Phosphorus. 

Most  before  midnight. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Natrum  mu- 
riaticum, Rhus,  Sulphur. 

■ after . — Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 

Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Phos- 
phoric acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

When  awaking. — Belladonna,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Lachesis,  Nux  vomica. 
— See  Sleep. 

In  the  morning. — Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Causticum,  Carbo 
vegetabilis,  Cinchona,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Natrum  muriaticum, 
Nuz  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Staph- 
isagria, Sulphur. 

forenoon. —  Carbo   vegetabilis,   Causticum,   Natrum    muriaticimi, 

Nux  vomica,  Staphisagria,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur. 

At  noon. — Cocculus,  Rhus. 

Afternoon. — Calcarea,  Causticum,  Mercurius,  A*h.t  vomica,  Phosplu)rus, 
PuUdiUa,  Sulphur. 


244  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Towards  evening.— Pulsatilla. 

At  night.— Autimoniiim  cruduiii,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Causti- 
cum,  Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia,  Mercuriius,  iS^ux  moschata,  Nux 
vcjmica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  .Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Every  other  day. — ChamomiUa,  Natnun  nuiriaticum. 

Every  seventh  day. — Arsenicum,  Phospliorus,  .Sulpliur. 

In  Spring. — Aci.uitum,  Belladonn.i,  Bryonia,  t'aliaiea,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 
Dulcamara,  Lachesis,  Natruiu  muriaticuni,  Xux  yomica,,  Pulaatilla, 
Khus,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

In  Summer. — Antimonium  crudum,  Belladnnna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea, 
Carbo  vegetabilis,  ChamomiUa,  Lachesis,  Xatrum  nun-iaticum, 
Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla. 

In  Autumn. — Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Nux  moschata, 
Rhus. 

In  Winter. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Carbo 
vegetabilis,  Causticum,  ChamomiUa,  Dulcamara,  Hepar,  Hyoscya- 
mus, Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus, 
Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

Caused  by  Damp  night-air.— Nux  moschata. 

Damp  air.— Mercurius. 

Cold,  damp  weather.— Cepa,  Nux  moschata,  Bhus. 

Keen,  CUttiag  wind.— Aconitum,  Silicea. 

• Wind.— Aconitum,  I'ulsaiilla,  Rhus,  .Silicea. 

Draught. — Belhuloima,  t'alcarea,  Cinc/iona,  Sulphur. 

Taking  cold. — Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Causticum, 
ChamomiUa,  Cinchona,  Coffea,  Dulcamara,  Ignatia,  Hyoscyamus, 
Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Nux  mosch(}ta.  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus, 
Stapliisagria,  Sulphur. 

Taking  cold,  when  overheated.— Glonoine,  Rhus. 

,    by   getting   wet  — BeUadonna,    Calcarea,   Causticum,    Hepar, 

Laclicsis,  Nux  moschata,  Phosphorus,   Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur. 
Suppressed  Perspiration.- ChamomUla,  Rhus. 

Worse  from  Cold  air. — Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius, 
Nux  moscliata,  Nux  vomica,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

in  the  mouth. — .\conitum,  BeUadonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Caus- 
ticum, Ilyiisi  yamiis,  ^^,rellrilcs,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica, 
Pli(is|ili(iriis,  I'lilsatilla,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Opening  of  the  Mouth.  Hrvcnia,  Cliamomilla,  Causticum,  Hepar,  Nux 
vomica,  Phosphoru.s,  Pulsatilla. 

Breathing.— Pulsatilla. 

Drawing  air  into  the  Mouth.— Antimonium  crudum,  Belladonna, 
Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Causticum,  Hepar,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muri- 
aticuni, Nux  moschata,  Phosphorus,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 


AFFECTIONS   OF    T^IE   TEETH.  245 

I 

Cold  washing. — Antimonium  crudum,  Bryonia,  Cakarea,  Chamoniilla, 
Mercurius,  Nux  mosc/uita,  Kux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Elms,  Silicea, 
Stapliisagria,  Sulphur. 

Eating  cold  things. — Bnonia,  Calcarea,  Chamoniilla,  Nux  vomica,  Pul- 
satilla, Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Drinking  cold  things. — Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Chamomilla,  C'austicum, 
Hepar,  Lachesis,  ]\Iercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  moschata, 
Niix  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Silioea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Rinsing  the  Mouth  with  Cold  Water.— Sulphur. 

Cold  in  general. — Arsenicum,  Antimonium  crudum,  Calcarea,  Carbo 
vegetabilis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  moschata,  Nux 
vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Phosphoric  acid,  Rhus,  Silicea,  Staphisagria, 
Sulphur. 

In  the  open  air. — Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona, 
Hyoscyamiis,  Merciu-ius,  Nxtx  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphonts, 
Pulsatilla,  ii'/iHs,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Staying. — Bclhulnnna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Hyoscyamus,  Mer- 
curius, Nux  vomica.  Phosphoric  acid,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Walking. — Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Staphisagria. 

In  a  Room. — Apis,  Antimonium  crudum,  Chamomilla,  Hepar,  Nux  vom- 
ica, Pulsalilh,  Sulphur. 

after  coming  out  of  the  open  air.— Phosphorus. 

In  a  warm  Room. — liryonia,  Cepa,  Chamomilla,  Hepar,  Nux  vomica, 
Phosphoric  ,acid,  Pulsatilla. 

Warmth  of  Stove. — Arsenicum,  Pulsatilla. 

External  warmth. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Hepar,  Mercurius,  Nux  mos- 
chata, Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla, 
Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Warmth. — Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilla,  Coflea, 
Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica.  Phos- 
phoric acid,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea,  Sulphur. 

Eating  warm  things. — Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Chamomilla,  Nux  vomica. 
Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea. 

Something  hot. — Belladonna,  Cakarea,  Phosphoric  acid. 

Drinking  warm  things. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Lachesis,  Mercurius, 
Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Klins,  Silicea. 

Warmth  of  bed.— Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Clianinmill:!,  M.ivurius,  Nux 
vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pho.sphoric  acid.  I'iiImiIiIIh,  Kliiis. 

Getting  warm  in  bed. — Chamoniilla,  Mercurius,  I'hosjiln.ilc  acid.  Phos- 
phorus, Pulsatilla. 

Drinking. — Chamomilla,  Calcarea,  Causticum,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Pul- 
satilla, Rhus,  Silicea. 

Cold  or  warm.— Lachesis. 

Water. — Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilla,  Mer- 
curius, Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 


246  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Drinking  Wine. — Aconitum,  Ignatia ;  Xux  vomica,  for  wine  drinkers. 

Malt  liquors. — Nux  vomica,  Elms. 

Coffee. — Belladonna,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilla,  Cocculus,  Ig- 
natia, Mereurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Khus. 

— Tea. — Cinchona,  Coftea,  Ignatia,  Lacliesis.  ' 

Smoking  tobacco. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Mereurius, 
>.'ux  vomica. 

Salty  things. — Carbo  vegetabilis. 

Eating. — Antimonium  crudum,  Arnica,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  C'alc-area, 
Carbo  veyelabills,  Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Cocculus,  Ilepar,  Hyos- 
cyamus,  Lachesis,  Mereurius,  Kux  moschata,  Xux  vomica,  Phos- 
phorus, Phosphoric  add,  Puhalilkt,  Khus,  Silicea,  Staphisagria, 
Sulphur. 

Only  while  Eating. — Cocculus. 

After  Eating. — Antinumium  cnidum,  BelUnfonna.  Brwjina,  Caicarea, 
Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Cofiea,  Ignalia,  Lachesis,  Mereurius^  Na- 
trum  muriaiicum,  Nux  vomica,  Khus,  Slnpliisayria,  Sulphur. 

Sometime  after  eating.— Belladonna. 

Chewing. — Arniia,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 
Causticum,  Ciiu-hiuM,,  Cocculus,  Coflea,  Hyoseyamus,  Ignalia,  Mer- 
ciiriiis,  Nulrum  muriaiicum,  Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric 
acid,  PuhatiUa,  Silieea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Only  while  chewing. — Cinchona. 

S  WaUo  wiag.  — St  ap  h  isag  ria. 

When  moving  the  mouth. — Causticum  Chamomilla,  Mereurius,  Nux 

Biting. — Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Caicarea,  Carbo  vegctabilLs, 
Causticum,  Cinchona,  Coflea,  Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Jl/er- 
curim,  Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus, 
Silieea,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

' — ■  something  soft. — Veratrum. 

soft  food.— Cocculus. 

hard  food.— Mereurius. 

Touched  by  the  food  (teeth).— Belladonna,  Ignatia,  Nux  vomica,  Phos 
plinrus,  Stajiliisugria. 

When  touched  by  crumb  of  bread.— Nux  vomica,  Staphisagria. 

Picking  the  teeth.— Pulsatilla. 

Cleaning  the  teeth.— Carbo  vegetabilis,  Lachesis,  Phosphoric  acid,  Sia- 
ph  isagria. 

Touching  the  teeth.— Antimonium  crudum,  Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Bella- 
donna, Bryonia,  Caicarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Causticum,  China, 
Cofiea,  Hepar,  Ignatia,  Mereurius,  Natrum  muriaiicum,  Nux 
moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Staphisagria, 
Sulphur. 

with  the  tongue.— f'arbo  vegetabilis,  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Mer- 
eurius, Phosphorus,  Khus. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  247 

Touching  the  teeth,  even  very  sofilj.—SM<ulonna,  Ignatia,  Nux 

voiiiit:!,  Slajiliisiigria. 

Sucking  with  the  tongue.— N"x  vomica. 

Pressing   on   the   teeth, — Causticum,  Cinchona,  Hyoscyamus,  Natrum 

niuriatifiim,  Siapliisagria,  Sulphur. 
Sucking  the  Gums. — Belladonna,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Nux  moschata,  Nux 

voniiua,  Silioea. 

When  feeling  of  the  teeth.— Hepar. 

Ilising. — Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Platiua. 

From  concussion. — Nux  moschata. 

Motion.— Aini<-a,  Bdhdoniia,  Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica, 
I'liiispliorus,  Staphisagria. 

Talking. — Nu.\  moschata. 

Deep  breathing. — Nux  vomica. 

When  traveling. — Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Pulsatilla,  Khus, 
.'<t;iplii.sagria.  Sulphur. 

Sitting. — .Viitiiiionium  crudum,  Mercurius,  PuhaliUa,  Rhus. 

too  much. — Aconitum. 

While  lying  down. — Arsenvmm,  Belladonna,  Bryoni|i,  Chamomilla,  Hyos- 
cyamus, Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla, 
Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

■ on  the  painful  side. — Arsenicum,  Nux  vomica. 

■ on  the  painless  side. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Ignatia,  Pulsatilla. 

in  bed. — Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Nux  vomica,  Pidsaiiila. 

In  bed. — Antimonium  crudum.  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Mer- 
curiws,  Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla. 

Sleep  with  yawning.— staphisjigria. 

When  going  to  sleep. — Antimonium  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Mercurius, 
Sulphur. 

While  asleep.- Mercurius. 

When  awaking. — Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 
L:irhesi.s,  Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Silicea,  Stdphur. 

Mental  emotions.- Aconitum. 

Vexation. — Aconitum,  Chamomilla,  Khus,  Staphisagria. 

Anger. — Nux  vomica. 

Mental  exertions,  — Belladonna,  Ignatia,  Nux  vomica. 

Reading. — Ignatia,  Nux  vomica. 

Noise.— t-'alcarea. 

Being  talked  to  by  others. — Arsenicum,  Bryonia. 

For  women. — Aconitum,  .\]iis,  Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Chamomilla,  Cin- 
chona, Collca,  Ilyosryaniu.s  Ignatia,  Nux  moschata,  Pulsatilla. 

Menstruation,  before.— Arscnicura. 

during.— Calcarea,  ClMnwmilla,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Natrum  muriati- 

cum,  Lachesis,  Phosphorus. 

after. — Calcarea,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Phosphorus. 


248  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

During^  Pregnancy. — Apis,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Hyoscyamns^ 

Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Khus,  Staph- 

isagria. 
While  nursing. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Cinchona, 

Dulcamara,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Staphisagria, 

Sulphur. 
For   children, — Aconitum,   Antimonium  crudum,   Belladonna,   Calcarea, 

Chamomilla,  Coflea,  Ignatia,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Pulsatilla, 

Silioea. 
For  sensitive,  nervous  persons.— Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Chamomilla, 

Cinclionu,  Cutica,  llyoscyamus,  Nux  moschata. 

For  persons  who  have  taken  much  mercury.— Carbo  vegetabilis, 

Belladonna,  Ilejiar,  Lachesis,  Staphisagria. 
who  drink  much  coffee.— Belladonna,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamo- 
milla, Cocculus,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Silicea. 

Getting  better  from : 

Cold  air. — Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla. 

Wind. — Calcarea. 

Uncovering. — Puhaiilla. 

Blowing  upon  it— Pids.itilla. 

Drawing  air  into  the  mouth. — Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla. 

Cold  washing.— Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Pulsatilla. 

External  Cold. — BeliaiU;nna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Mercurius, 
Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Cold  hand.-Rhus. 

Finger  wet  with  cold  water.— Chamomilla. 

Holding  cold  water  in  the  mouth.— Bryonia,  Cepa,  Coffea. 

Cold  drinking. — lltlladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Mercurius,  Nux 
voiuica,  Phospliorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur. 

In  the  open  air,— Antimonium  crudum,  Bryonia,  Cepa,  Hepar,  Pulsa- 
tiUa,  Nux  vomica. 

In  the  room.— Nux  vomica,  Phosphorus,  Sulphur. 

External  warmth.— Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Calcarea,  Chamomilla,  Cin- 
chona, Ilyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Nux  moschata,  Nux 
vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

Wrapping  up  the  head.— Nux  vomica.  Phosphorus,  Silicea. 

Eating  something  warm.— Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Nux  moschata,  Nux 
vomira,  Rlius,  Sulphur. 

Drinking  something  warm.— Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 
Kims.  Sulphur. 

Getting  warm  in  bed.— Bryonia,  Nux  vomica. 

Smoking  tobacco, — Mercurius. 

When  eating. — Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Phosphoric  acid, 
Silicea. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  249 

After  eating.— Amicn,  Calcarca,  Cliamomilla,  Pliosiilioric  acid,  Eluis, 

Siliica. 
When  chewing.— Bryonia,  Ciiuliona,  Coffea. 
Biting.— ArsiTiii-iiiii,  r.rviinia,  Cinchona,  Cofl'ea. 

Picking  the  teeth,  so  that  they  bleed,— Belladonna. 

Picking  the  teeth.— I'lu'sphoric  acid. 

Rubbing  the  teeth.— Mercurlus,  Phosphorus. 

Touching  the  teeth.— Bryonia,  Nux  vomica. 

Sucking  the  gums. -Causticum. 

Pressing   upon   the   teeth.— Belladonna,   Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Ignatia, 

Xutnuii  miiriaticum,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Khus. 
llovmg.—PiilxalUld,  lihus. 
When  walking.— Pulsatilla,  Elms. 
When  at  rest. — Bryonia,  Nux  vomica,  Staphisagria. 
Sitting  up  in  bed.— Arsenicum,  Mercurlus,  Rhus. 
Getting  up. — Phosphorus,  Nux  vomica. 
When  lying  down.— -K'i/onia,  Mercurlus,  Nux  vomica. 

on  the  painful  siAe.— Bryonia,  Ignatia,  Pulsatilla. 

painless  side.— Nux  vomica. 

lying  down  in  bed.— Mercurlus,  Pulsatilla. 

In  bed.— Sulpluir. 

When  going  to  sleep.— Mercurlus. 
After  sleep.— Nux  vomica,  PuLsatilla. 

The  pains  extend 

to  the  jawbones  and  face. — Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis,  Mercurlus, 

Nux  vomica,  Ilhus,  Sulphur. 

to   the   cheeks.— Bryonia,   Causticum,   Chamomilla,    Mercurlus, 

Silicea,  Stajjhi.sagria,  Sulphur. 

into  the  ears.— Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Chamomilla,  He- 
par,  Lachesis,  Mercurlus,  Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

•  into  the  eyes.  -  Causticum,  Chamomilla,  Mercurlus,  Pulsatilla, 

Staphisagria,  Sulphur. 

into  the  head. — Antimonium  cruduni,  ^Vrsenicum,  Chamorallla, 

Hyoscyamus,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Khus,  Staphisagria, 
Sulphur. 

With  headache.— Apis,  Cilonolne,  Lachesis. 

rush  of  blood  to  the  head.— Aconitum,  Calcarea,  Cinchona,  Hy- 
oscyamus, La.liesis,  Pulsatilla. 

swollen  veins  "t  the  forehead  and  hands.— Cinchona. 

heat  in  the  head.— Aconitum,  Hyoscyamus,  Pulsatilla. 

burning  of  the  eyes.— Belladonna. 

flushed   cheeks.— Aconitum,   Arnica,   Belladonna,   Chamomilla, 

Mercurlus,  Nux  moschata,  Phosphorus,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur. 


250  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH. 

With  pale  face. — Aconitum,  Arsenioum,  Ignutia,  T'iils.itilla,  Staphis- 
ai,'ria,  Svilpliiir. 

swelling  of  the  cheek. — Amiga,  ^\j-seniouni,  Belladonna,  Bry- 
onia, Chamomilla,  LaChesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux 
vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Phosphorus,  Phosphoric  acid,  Staphisagria, 
Siilpliur. 

salivation. — Belladonna,  Dulcamara,  Mercurius. 

dry  mouth  and  thirst.— Cinchona. 

without  thirst.— Pulsatilla. 

dry  throat  and  thirst.— Belladonna. 

chilliness.— Pulsatilla,  Rhus. 

heat.— Il.vosryumns,  Rhus. 

warm  perspiration. — Hyoscyamus. 

chilliness,  heat,  thirst.— Ladiesis. 

diarrhoea.— Chamomilla,  Cofl'ea,  Dulcamara,  Rhus. 

constipation. — Bryonia,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Staphisagria. 

Note. — Ynu  must  not  be  surprised  to  find  in  the  above  list,  tbe  same  remedies  recom- 
mended for  directly  opposite  symptoms,  as,  Arsenicum,  for  toothache,  worse  and  better 
from  warmth  ;  this  is  really  often  the  case. 

The  following  medicines  with  their  symptoms  are  arranged  according  to  their  import- 
ance, and  in  order  to  facilitate  the  finding  of  any  particular  medicine,  this  alphabetical 
index  is  given : 


Phosphorus 17 

Arsenicum, 19        Dulcamara, 2S  Phosphoric  acid,   .  .  .  25 

Belladonna, 11        Glonoine, 4        Pulsatilla 8 

Bryonia, 21        Hepar, 14        Khus 22 

Calcarea 29        Hyoscyamus, 10        Silicea, 27 

Carbo  vegetabilis,  .   .  .  .  l.'i        Ignatia 9        Staphisagria 23 

Causticum 30        Lachesis, 24        Sulphur 16 

1.  Arnica  is  very  useful  after  the  extraction  of  a  tooth, 
but  vinegar  must  not  be  used;  it  is  always  injurious;  it 
will  stojj  the  bleeding  and  accelerate  the  healing  of  the 
gums.  Five  drops  of  the  tincture  should  be  mixed  with 
half  a  tumblerful  of  cold  or  tepid  water,  and  the  mouth 
rinsed  several  times  with  this.  After  the  insertion  of  arti- 
ficial teeth,  it  relieves  the  pain  and  the  swelling;  after  the 
dentist  has  removed  carious  portions  of  teeth,  mix  a  few 
globules  of  it  in  a  teaspoonful  of  water,  and  put  some  of 
it  on  the  teeth  which  have  been  operated  on.  In  very 
intense  pain,  occuri'ing  after  a  tooth  has  been  drawn, 
sometimes  Hijoscyamus  is  of  use;  when  the  pain  is  severe 
after  putting  in  new  teeth,  give  Aconituvi  and  then  Aitiica. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  251 

Arnica  is  sometimes  good  for  toothache,  when  attended  by 
pressing  throbbing,  as  if  the  blood  were  forcing  the  tooth 
out,  or  as  if  it  had  been  started  from  its  socket — worse 
when  touched;  it  is  also  frequently  of  service  for  hard 
swelling  of  the  cheeks,  which  frequently  remains  after 
the  toothache  has  been  cured. 

2.  Coffea  will  remove  the  severest  pains,  which  drive  the 
patients  almost  frantic;  when  they  cry,  tremble,  and  do 
not  know  what  to  do;  and  when  the  pain  is  indescribable; 
if  the  blood  presses  into  the  teeth,  they  feel  as  if  too  close 
together,  or  as  if  something  were  lodged  between  them. 
The  pain  is  often  relieved  by  holding  ice-water  in  the 
mouth.  If  it  proves  inefficacious,  give  Aconitum,  Vera- 
trum,  Sulphur  or  Hijoscyamus.  For  stinging,  jerking  pain, 
or  intermitting  pressure  or  pain  when  chewing,  it  is  to  be 
preferred  to  all  other  remedies. 

3.  Aconitum  must  be  given  in  all  those  cases  where  the 
patients  are  almost  frantic  with  pain,  which  is  indescribable, 
and  which  Coffea  has  failed  to  relieve;  also  for  throbbing 
pains,  occasioned  by  taking  cold,  with  determination  of 
blood  to  the  head ;  burning  in  the  face ;  it  is  particularly 
suitable  for  children ;  Mdien  it  is  no  longer  efficacious,  give 
Chamomilla  or  Belladonna. 

4.  Glonoine  for  toothache  from  taking  cold,  after  having 
been  over-heated,  if  the  beating  of  the  pulse  is  felt  in  all 
the  teeth,  or  a  drawing  in  all  the  teeth,  sometimes  in  the 
\ipper  and  sometimes  in  the  lower  ones,  and  if  the  blood 
rushes  to  the  head,  with  headache. 

5.  Chamomilla  is  beneficial  in  many  kinds  of  toothache, 
particularly  in  children  —  and  in  ])er.sons  who  are  fre- 
quently vexed,  and  who  drink  much  coffee  —  also  in 
females  before  menstruation;  pain  in  the  decayed  teeth, 
after  taking  cold  when  in  a  perspiration,  or  when  the  pa- 
tient is  very  irritable  and  inclined  to  cry ;  when  the  pain 
is  unendurable  and  aggravated  periodically;  is  worse  dur- 
ing the  night;  when  no  particular  tooth  can  be  pointed 


252  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

out  as  the  painful  one;  or  when  the  tooth  is  decayed,  feels 
as  if  too  long,  and  is  loose  (if  it  only  appears  loose  without 
being  so,  Bryonia  will  suit  better),  or  when  the  pain  ex- 
tends through  all  the  teeth,  and  every  tooth  feels  too  long; 
also  when  it  extends  through  the  jaws  to  the  ear;  or  through 
the  temples  to  the  eyes ;  or  is  mostly  on  one  side,  in  the 
teeth,  jaws,  ears  and  head;  when  there  is  crawling,  sluggish 
pain  continually,  or  feels  like  scraping  and  scratching  on  the 
decayed  tooth,  after  which  the  pain  increases;  drawing  and 
tearing  or  boring  and  throbbing  pain ;  when  at  its  height, 
the  pain  is  stinging  and  jerking,  and  extends  to  the  ear; 
the  patient  cannot  bear  the  warmth  of  the  bed,  and  the 
pain  generally  commences  soon  after  meals,  particularly 
after  eating  or  drinking  anything  warm ;  when  it  grows 
much  worse  after  drinking  cold  water — also  after  coffee; 
cannot  be  relieved  by  anything  but  dipping  a  finger  into 
cold  water  and  applying  it  to  the  tooth;  when,  while  the 
pain  lasts,  tlie  cheek  is  red  and  hot,  or  the  check  and  gums 
are  swollen  and  of  a  light  red  color;  M'hen  the  glands  under 
the  chin  are  painful  and  swollen — if  the  toothache  is  accom- 
panied with  great  weakness,  particularly  in  the  joints; 
pain  in  the  articulation  of  the  jaw  on  opening  the  mouth, 
extending  to  the  teeth  —  Ghamomilla  will  certainly  cure. 
When  it  is  partly  adapted  to  the  symptoms,  and  gives  but 
incomplete  relict,  ami  tlir  teeth  are  decayed,  compare  An- 
timonium  crndiiin.  and  Mcrcurius,  and  then  the  following: 
6.  Nuz  moschata  suits  children,  women  —  particularly 
during  pregnancy  —  and  all  people  with  a  cool,  dry  skin, 
who  do  not  easil^^  perspire;  for  pains  from  taking  cold  in 
damp,  cold  weather,  or  from  the  night  air;  for  pains  which 
get  worse  if  air,  particularly  cold,  damp  air,  is  drawn  into 
the  mouth;  if  warm  water  or  warm  applications  ease  the 
pain ;  for  toothache  which  is  increased  by  the  shaking  of 
the  body  in  going  up  or  down  stairs;  if  the  pain  com- 
mences on  the  right  side  and  goes  to  the  left,  as  if  the  tooth 
were  being  wrenched  out  [Nuz  vomica,  Ipecacuanha) ;  worse 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  253 

from  much  talking;  or  cold  air  enters  the  mouth,  there  is 
a  constant  grumbling  and  soreness  of  the  teeth;  if  the 
teetli  easily  become  blunt. 

7.  Nux  vomica  is  useful  for  tootluiche  in  persons  of  a 
hasty  temper,  with  ruddy  complexion,  who  like  coffee  and 
ardent  spirits  —  have  little  out-door  exercise,  or  who  have 
taken  cold ;  when  a  healthy  tooth  is  painful  and  feels  loose, 
or  the  teeth  seem  too  long,  and  as  if  all  the  blood  were 
pressing  into  them,  with  jerking,  shooting  pains  in  the 
lower  jaw ;  a  drawing  pain  extending  to  the  temple,  or  a 
pain  from  a  decayed  tooth,  affecting  the  whole  face  and 
even  the  bones,  or  extending  over  the  whole  side ;  or  for 
drawing  and  boring  pains  in  a  decayed  tooth,  as  if  it 
were  wrenched  out  {Arnica  and  Mercurius),  or  had  been 
bitten  out,  accompanied  by  violent  stitches,  which  affect 
the  whole  body,  particularly  on  inspiration ;  when  a  dull 
pain  in  the  bones  changes  to  a  tearing  pain,  wliiili  passes 
through  the  teeth  and  jaws,  or  there  is  a  l)nriim,  (linking, 
gnawing,  tearing  pain  on  one  side;  sometimes  fur  jrrking 
or  rheumatic  pains,  attended  with  a  pricking  sensation ; 
when  the}'  generally  commence  in  bed  or  in  the  evening, 
prevent  chewing,  grow  worse  or  return  as  soon  as  the 
mouth  is  opened  in  the  cold  air ;  or  when  reading  or  think- 
ing; or  when  the  tearing  pains  become  worse  by  the  con- 
tact of  cold  liquids,  but  better  from  warmth;  in  gen- 
eral the  pains  are  worse  after  eating  and  exercise ;  also, 
when  along  with  the  tearing  pains  the  glands  beneath  the 
lower  jaw  are  i)ainful,  and  particularly  when  a  swelling 
appears  on  the  gum,  which  seems  about  to  burst  (Lachesis). 

8.  Pulsatilla  is  most  suitable  for  persons  of  a  mild,  quiet, 
timid  disposition,  or  for  women  and  children  of  a  fretful 
temper;  when  the  pain  is  only  on  one  side;  for  toothache 
which  is  prevalent  in  the  spring,  accompanied  by  earache 
and  headache,  confined  chiefly  to  the  same  side;  when 
there  is  a  stinging  pain  in  the  decaj'ed  tooth,  accompanied 
by  great  painfulness  of  the  left  side  of  the  face,  extending  to 


254  AFFECTIONS   OP   THE   TEETH. 

the  ear,  with  heat  in  the  head  and  chills  over  the  whole 
body;  but  particularly  when  there  is  a  gnawing  pain  in 
the  gums,  and  pricking  as  of  pins,  with  tearing  and  jerking 
in  the  tooth  itself,  as  if  the  nerve  were  stretched  and  then 
suddenly  relaxed;  or  for  jerking  or  tearing  in  the  tooth  as 
if  it  would  start  from  the  jaw,  as  if  the  blood  were  pressing 
into  it  or  a  pressing  or  throbbing  pain,  and  aggravated 
by  cold  water,  the  heat  of  the  bed,  or  warm  room,  or  by 
taking  anything  -warm  into  the  mouth ;  relieved  by.  cool 
air,  drawing  cool  air  into  the  mouth,  or  in  the  open  air 
generally ;  the  toothache  always  ceases  entirely  in  the  open 
air,  but  returns  in  the  warm  room  and  gets  worse ;  worse 
when  sitting,  better  when  walking  about;  worse  from  pick- 
ing the  teeth,  better  from  pressure  —  chewing  does  not 
make  it  worse ;  it  comes  on  mostly  toward  evening,  rarely 
in  the  morning,  and  is  accompanied  by  chilliness  and  pale 
face,  or  with  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head ;  or  with  heat 
without  thirst;  for  toothache  caused  by  drinking  cham- 
omile tea. 

9.  Ignatia  will  be  serviceable  in  cases  where  the  fore- 
going remedies  appear  to  be  indicated,  but  are  insufficient, 
and  the  patient  is  of  a  more  tender  and  sensitive  disposi- 
tion, gentle  and  quiet,  sometimes  cheerful,  at  other  times 
inclined  to  tears;  particularly  for  persons  who  grieve 
much;  when  the  jaw-teeth  feel  as  if  crushed;  when  there 
is  boring  pain  in  the  front  teeth,  and  soreness  in  all  the 
teeth;  worse  after  drinking  coffee,  after' smoking,  after 
dinner,  in  the  evening,  after  lying  down,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing on  waking. 

10.  Hyoscyamus  in  very  sensitive,  nervous,  excitable  per- 
sons; the  pain  almost  drives  the  patient  mad— it  is  tearing 
or  throbbing,  extending  to  the  cheeks  and  along  the  lower 
jaw;  or  there  is  a  tearing,  raging  pain  in  the  gums,  with 
a  buzzing  pain  in  the  tooth,  which  is  loose,  and  feels,  when 
chewing,  as  if  it  were  coming  out;  or  jerking,  throbbing, 
drawing,  tearing,  which  extends  to  the  forehead ;  violent 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  255 

tearing  pains  in  different  teeth,  as  if  the  blood  were 
pressed  into  them,  occasionally  accompanied  by  flushes 
of  heat,  with  determination  of  blood  to  the  head ;  it  is 
caused  by  cold  air;  generally  comes  on  in  the  morning, 
and  is  sometimes  accompanied  by  jerking  in  the  fingers 
and  arms,  especially  in  persons  who  arc  subject  to  con- 
vulsions. 

11.  Belladonna  is  frequently  best  adapted  to  women  or 
children,  particularly  when  the  pain  and  anguish  cause 
great  restlessness,  running  about,  or  where  there  is  de- 
pression of  spirits,  and  a  disposition  to  cry;  when  the  teeth 
and  gums  pain  as  if  sore;  when  biting  produces  a  feeling 
as  if  there  were  ulcers  at  the  roots  of  the  teeth  with 
stinging,  cutting,  jerking,  tearing  pain;  when  the  pain 
radiates  from  one  tooth  in  all  directions  and  for  a  draw- 
ing pain,  which  is  worse  after  going  to  bed,  and  during 
the  night;  or  for  pricking  pains  in  a  decayed  tooth, 
day  and  night;  or  a  pain  in  a  decayed  jaw-tooth,  as 
if  too  much  blood  were  forced  into  it,  with  heat  in  the 
gums  and  throbbing  in  the  cheeks  —  nothing  mitigates 
the  pain  but  pricking  the  gum  until  it  bleeds;  or 
the  gums  are  swelled,  with  burning  and  stinging  pains, 
discharge  of  much  saliva,  the  cheek  swelled,  sometimes 
the  eyes  burn  and  the  throat  is  dry,  with  great  thirst — 
frequently  the  pain  returns  in  the  morning  on  awaking, 
or  begins  again  some  time  after  meals;  the  teeth  ache 
when  exposed  to  the  open  air,  when  touched,  when  biting, 
Avhen  food  or  hot  liquids  come  in  contact  with  them — 
pressing  hard  upon  the  cheeks  sometimes  gives  relief 

12.  Cinchona  is  particularly  suited  for  toothache  in 
mothers  who  are  nursing — for  persons  who,  otherwise 
cheerful,  become  cross  and  irritable;  if  a  black  coating 
appears  on  the  teeth ;  the  pain  comes  on  periodically,  and 
is  throbbing,  jerking-tearing,  pressing-tearing,  or  drawing, 
digging,  with  great  pressure,  as  if  the  blood  was  forced 
into  the  teeth,  or  boring  and  numbness  about  the  teeth — 


256  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

the  pain  is  worse  when  in  motion,  when  touched,  and  re- 
turns on  exposure  to  a  draught  of  air — the  gums  swell, 
the  mouth  is  dry,  there  is  thirst,  the  head  is  congested, 
veins  of  the  forehead  and  hands  swell ;  and  the  sleep  dur- 
ing the  night  is  uneasj^,  even  when  the  pain  is  not  great. 

13.  Mercurius  is  frequently  suitable  for  children;  in 
general  for  toothache  in  decayed  teeth ;  when  there  are 
tearing  pains  in  several  teeth  at  once,  in  decayed  ones 
and  those  adjoining  them,  and  it  feels  as  if  tlie  teeth  were 
being  wrenched  out — the  pain  affects  the  wdiole  side  of  the 
face,  or  drawing  and  stinging  pains  extend  to  the  ear;  it 
is  particularly  troublesome  during  the  night;  or  for  excru- 
ciating jumping  pains  in  the  teeth,  especially  at  night, 
with  stitches  extending  to  the  ear  and  the  head,  which 
drive  the  patient  out  of  bed  (Magnesia) ;  also  for  a  stinging 
pain  in  a  decayed  tooth,  which  is  worse  after  eating  or 
drinking  anything  cold  or  warm;  the  pain  is  generally 
increased  by  cold,  and  particularly  by  damp  air,  is  less 
severe  when  in  a  warm  jilace,  or  when  the  cheek  is  rubbed 
■ — ^the  air  is  sometimes  painful  to  the  front  teeth ;  or  the 
toothache  is  only  felt  during  the  day  and  ceases  during 
the  night,  and  is  followed  b}'  perspiration,  and  in  the 
morning  the  same  pains  return  again,  in  paroxysms,  with 
longer  or  shorter  intervals,  alternating  with  giddiness,  or 
tearing  in  the  limbs;  the  teeth  are  almost  always  loose,  the 
gums  swell  or  become  white  and  ulcerated,  are  detached 
from  the  teeth,  burn  and  ache  when  touched ;  or  they  begin 
to  itch,  to  bleed  and  to  suppurate,  with  tearing  through  the 
roots  of  the  teeth,  for  toothache  with  painful  swelling  of 
the  cheeks,  it  is  the  principal  remedy.   See  "  Swelled  Face." 

14.  Hepar  will  be  beneficial  after  Mercurius  or  Bella- 
donna, when  the  painful  swelling  of  the  gums  continues, 
or  for  a  throbbing  pain  as  if  blood  W'ere  forcing  into  the 
tooth,  or  a  drawing  pain,  the  pains  worse  after  eating,  and 
in  a  warm  room,  or  at  night. 

15.  Carbo  vegttabilis  is  sometimes  useful  when  Mercurius 


AFFKCTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  257 

or  Arsenicum  give  some  relief,  witliout  efi'eeting  a  perfect 
cure;  also  in  persons  who  have  taken  much  calomel,  par- 
ticularl}'^  when  the  gums  hleed,  and  are  separated  from 
the  teeth;  the  teeth  are  loosened,  become  ulcerated,  and 
ache  when  touched  by  the  tongue ;  are  worse  after  eating, 
with  drawing  and  tearing  pains  in  the  incisors  or  for 
smarting  pains. 

16.  Sulphvr  is  most  suitable  for  jumping  pain  in  decayed 
teeth — extending  to  the  upper  and  lower  jaw,  or  to  the 
ear;  for  swelling  of  the  gums,  attended  with  throbbing 
pain,  bleeding  of  the  gums,  and  swellings  around  old 
stumps;  for  toothache  in  the  evening,  or  in  the  air,  from 
draught,  worse  when  rinsing  the  mouth  with  cold  water. 

17.  Phosphorus  for  toothache  from  washing  or  from  hav- 
ing had  the  hands  in  cold  or  warm  water,  which  is  the 
cause  of  its  returning  on  certain  days  of  the  week. 

18.  Cepa  for  toothache  with  cold  in  the  head,  or  which 
gets  better  when  the  catarrh  becomes  worse  and  which 
gets  worse  when  the  catarrh  becomes  better;  from  damp, 
cold  weather  and  wind ;  if  it  commences  on  the  left  side 
and  goes  to  the  right ;  worse  in  the  warm  room ;  if  it  is  a 
throbbing,  drawing,  pressing;  when  the  back  teeth  ache 
when  chewing  and  are  better  from  cold  water ;  if  the  teeth 
become  j'ellow ;  for  people  who  have  an  offensive  breath, 
or  who  are  fond  of  being  in  the  open  air  and  who  are  very 
fond  of  bathing. 

19.  Arsenicum  when  the  teeth  seem  loose  and  elongated, 
with  jerking,  throbbing  pain;  if  when  chewing  it  feels  as 
if  the  teeth  were  being  pressed  into  ulcerated  spots,  or 
burning,  and  tearing  in  the  gum,  worse  when  touched, 
when  lying  on  the  affected  side,  and  when  at  rest,  and 
also  from  cold;  the  pains  are  mitigated  by  the  heat  of 
the  stove,  by  hot  applications,  or  by  sitting  up  in  bed;  it 
is  particularly  indicated  when  the  pains  are  very  debili- 
tating, or  if  people,  particularly  children,  are  made  very 
angry  by  them.     It  should  always  be  given  if  the  patient 


258  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

feels  feverish,  with  cold  hands,   particularly   when  the 
finger  tips  feel  cold. 

20.  Antimonium  crudum  for  pains  in  decayed  teeth,  of 
a  boring,  digging,  tearing,  jerking  character,  which  some- 
times penetrate  into  the  head ;  the  pains  are  aggravated 
in  the  evening  in  bed,  after  eating,  by  cold  water;  and 
are  better  when  walking  in  the  open  air. 

21.  Bryonia  for  passionate,  irritable,  hot  headed,  obsti- 
nate people;  the  pain  occasionally  in  the  decayed  teeth, 
but  more  frequently  in  the  healthy  ones;  shooting  pains 
with  stitches  towards  the  ear;  tearing  pain  extending  to 
the  cheek,  and  acute  pains,  as  if  caused  by  an  exposed 
nerve;  sensitiveness  and  pain  in  the  decayed  teeth  from 
contact  with  the  air ;  the  teeth  feel  as  if  too  long  and  loose, 
but  are  not  so,  and  when  chewing  they  feel  as  if  they 
would  fall  out.  The  pains  are  aggravated  by  smoking  or 
chewing  tobacco ;  from  the  introduction  of  anything  warm 
into  the  mouth — better  in  the  open  air — sometimes  relieved 
by  cold  water,  but  only  momentarily,  and  also  when  Ij'ing 
on  the  affected  cheek,  but  worse  Avhon  lying  on  the  other. 
Likewise,  when  the  pain  shoots  from  one  tooth  into  the 
other,  and  also  into  the  head  and  cheeks. 

22.  Rhm  for  the  same  painful  sensation  of  elongation 
of  the  teeth,  as  Bryonia,  and  also  when  they  seem  to  be 
loose,  shaky,  or  as  if  the  tooth  were  hollow  and  air  were 
blowing  into  it,  or  as  if  they  were  asleep  ( Cinchona,  Dul- 
camara) ;  the  gums  are  swollen,  burn,  and  itch  as  if  ulcer- 
ated, or  they  are  sore  and  detached  from  the  teeth ;  for 
jumping,  shooting,  or  drawing  pain,  as  if  the  teeth  were 
being  torn  out  [Pulsatilla),  or  pressed  into  their  sockets 
(Staphisagria),  or  for  slow  pricking  or  throbbing  tearing  in 
all  the  teeth,  extending  into  the  jaws  and  temple,  with  a 
painful  soreness  of  one  side  of  the  face;  if  it  arises  from 
taking  cold,  or  from  vexation,  is  worse  in  the  air  {Bryonia 
toothache  is  better),  insufferable  during  the  night,  and 
mitigated  by  heat;  sometimes  accompanied  by  an  offensive 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  259 

smell  from  the  carious  teeth.  It  suits  hest  for  quiet  per- 
sons (unlike  Bryonia)  who  are  disposed  to  sadness  and 
melancholy,  or  become  agitated  and  afraid  (similar  to 
Belladonna). 

23.  Staphisagria,  when  the  teeth  become  black  and  de- 
cayed and  scale  off,  the  gums  are  pale,  white,  ulcerated 
and  swollen  (Lachesis) — pain  when  touched ;  throbbing  in 
the  gums ;  the  gums  are  covered  with  blisters  and  ulcers ; 
also  for  intense  gnawing,  drawing  or  tearing  pains  in  de- 
cayed teeth,  particularly  in  the  roots,  or  extending  through 
a  whole  row,  or  the  pain  extends  from  a  decayed  tooth  to 
the  ear,  with  throbbing  in  the  temple — worse  in  the  oj^en 
air,  when  drinking  anything  cold,  from  chewing,  eating, 
and  particularly  during  the  night  or  toward  morning. 

24.  Lachesis,  if  all  the  decayed  teeth  pain  from  conges- 
tion of  blood  to  the  head ;  for  drawing,  tearing,  throbbing, 
jumping,  boring  into  the  jaw  bones;  the  decayed  teeth  feel 
too  long ;  the  gums  are  inflamed  and  the  pain  extends  down 
into  the  throat;  relief  comes  when  pus  is  discharged,  gums 
swollen,  bleeding  easily,  or  they  are  bluish-red,  beating 
and  burning,  worse  from  anything  warm;  toothache  worse 
after  warm  and  cold  drinks,  after  eating  and  awaking ; 
with  headache,  beating  over  the  eyes,  stitches  in  the  ears, 
swelling  of  the  cheek ;  slight  pains  in  the  limbs  of  the 
opposite  side ;  chills,  fever  and  thirst.  It  is  particularly 
suited  for  colds  in  damp,  warm,  spring  weather;  M'hen  the 
toothache  comes  during  menstruation,  the  less  the  flow  the 
greater  the  pain,  or  at  the  cessation  of  menstruation ;  for 
melancholic  or  choleric  persons ;  for  persons  of  vivid  im- 
agination ;  after  long-continued  grief,  and  after  the  abuse 
of  mercury. 

25.  Phosphoric  acid  is  suitable  for  bleeding  and  swollen 
gums ;  tearing  pains  which  are  worse  when  warm  in  bed, 
and  also  from  heat  and  from  cold,  burning  in  the  front 
teeth  during  the  night;  pains  from  decayed  teeth,  extend- 
ing to  the  head;  tearing,  pressing  apart,  as  if  the  teeth 
would  be  forced  out. 


260  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

20.  Apis  for  tlie  most  violent  pains  in  the  gums,  also 
for  jerks  and  throbbing  in  the  molars,  with  involuntary, 
sudden  biting  together  of  tlie  teeth,  headaclie  or  bleeding 
of  the  gums. 

27.  Silicea  for  tedious,  boring,  tearing  pains,  day  and 
night,  worse  during  the  night,  spreading  over  the  whole 
cheek,  also  into  the  bones  of  the  face;  discharge  of  offen- 
sive matter  from  fistulous  openings  near  the  roots  of  the 
teeth,  or  from  the  gums;  swelling  of  the  jaw-bones. 

28.  Dulcamara  is  sometimes  useful  for  toothache  pro- 
ceeding from  cold,  particularly  when  accompanied  by  di- 
arrhoea, and  when  Chamomilla  does  not  help ;  also  when 
the  head  is  affected,  or  when  the  toothache  is  accompanied 
by  profuse  salivation  (similar  in  this  to  Belladonna  and 
Merciirius),  which  makes  the  teeth  feel  dull  or  numb. 

29.  Calcarea  for  toothache  in  pregnant  women ;  pains 
in  decayed  teeth,  especially  around  loose  stumps ;  in  gen- 
eral when  a  loose  tooth  causes  continuous  pain ;  pressing, 
drawing,  jerking  soreness;  drawing,  pricking,  boring, 
biting,  gnawing,  digging,  throbbing  pains,  with  swelled 
gums,  which  are  sensitive,  bleed  easily,  throb  and  pain ; 
it  is  only  suitable  when  there  is  determination  of  blood  to 
the  head,  particularly  during  the  night ;  when  the  pains 
are  caused  by  taking  cold,  or  are  aggravated  by  cold  or  a 
draught  of  air;  the  patient  can  neither  bear  warm  nor 
cold  drinks — even  noise  makes  the  suffering  worse. 

30.  Causticum  for  toothache  arising  from  the  contact  of 
the  inspired  air  with  the  tooth,  generally  attended  with 
stinging,  throbbing  pain  and  a  feeling  of  soreness ;  or 
the  teeth  feel  painfully  loose  and  lengthened,  as  if  forced 
out  of  their  sockets  {Arnica,  Phosphoric  acid) ;  when  there 
are  fistulas  at  the  roots  of  the  teeth,  and  the  suppurat- 
ing gums  are  swollen  and  painfully  sensitive.  The  pain 
frequently  affects  the  whole  of  the  left  side  of  the  face, 
especially  at  night  when  the  patient  lies  on  it,  and  is 
e(iually  sensitive  to  heat  and  cold;  for  long-continuing 
pains  always  returning  after  taking  cold. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH.  261 


SWELLED  FACE. 


For  "  Swelled  Face,"  which  is  often  worse  than  the  tooth- 
ache, or  for  the  swelling  which  remains  after  it,  choose 
among  the  following  remedies  which  have  already  been 
mentioned  under  "  Toothache,"  if  they  are  otherwise 
indicated:  Arnica,  C'hamomilla,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 
Belladonna,  Cinchona,  Mercurius,  Sulphur,  Phosphorus, 
Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Staphisagria,  Calcarea,  Causticum. 

Mercurius  is  the  chief  remedy  when  the  face  and  the 
upper  lip  are  so  swollen  that  the  person  can  hardly  be  re- 
cognized ;  the  pains  very  violent,  as  if  proceeding  from  a 
decayed  tooth  or  a  root;  if  it  tears,  burns,  beats,  inter- 
nally more  than  externally;  when  there  is  hardness 
about  the  teeth,  or  after  much  pain  it  suppurates  and 
breaks. 

If  Mercurius  mitigated  the  pain  but  did  not  lessen  the 
swelling,  Pulsatilla  or  Belladonna  may  be  given.  When 
the  lips  are  very  much  swollen,  the  pain  from  the  swollen 
gums  extends  into  the  throat,  swallowing  is  painful,  and 
saliva  runs  from  the  mouth,  give  Belladonna  at  once.  If 
the  pus  is  felt  in  the  swelling  but  this  will  not  break, 
Hepar  often  hastens  it;  afterwards  give  Silicea.  When 
after  breaking  it  will  not  heal,  if  bad  tasting  or  smelling 
fluid  oozes  from  the  opening,  give  Sepia.  A  piece  of  fig 
boiled  in  milk  may  also  be  held  in  the  mouth.  If  all  this 
does  not  relieve,  give  Lachesis.  If  the  pains  cease  but  the 
swelling  remains,  give  Pulsatilla,  if  Chamomilla  relieved 
before ;  Belladonna  or  Mercurius,  if  Pulsatilla  relieved ; 
Mercurius  or  Sulphur,  if  Belladonna  relieved ;  Pulsatilla, 
Belladonna  or  Sulphur,  if  Mercurius  relieved.  If  the  pain 
was  only  lessened  by  Bryonia  or  Arsenicum,  Sulphur  may 
also  be  given. 

Arnica,  if  the  swelling  is  hard,  but  neiflier  very  painful 
nor  very  red.  Chamomilla,  if  the  swelling  is  very  red  and 
uneven.     Belladonna,  if  it  is  yellowish-red  and  has  an 


262  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TEETH. 

offensive  odor.     Lachesis,  if  it  becomes  yellow  or  blue,  or 
there  are  blisters  on  it. 

Externally,  apply  nothing  but  a  handkerchief  to  keep  off  the  air,  except 
when  there  is  much  tension,  and  the  swelling  is  not  extensive;  in  this  case, 
make  a  linen  compress  about  the  size  of  a  half  dollar,  dip  it  into  warm 
water,  and  after  squeezing  it,  apply  it  to  the  swelling,  and  tie  a  dry  hand- 
kerchief over  it ;  if  the  redness  spreads  extensively  in  streaks,  or  if  the 
swelling  becomes  yellowish  or  red  and  blistered,  a  small  flat  bag  of  rye 
flour  or  bran,  moderately  heated  and  applied  to  the  cheek,  may  be  of  ad- 
vantage. K  it  itches  much,  corn  starch  will  be  beneficial ;  if  it  breaks  ex- 
ternally, apply  a  rag  greased  with  mutton  suet,  tie  a  handkerchief  over  it, 
and  give  Silicea. 


FACEACHE.  NEURALGIA  OF  FACE. 

In  this  painful  complaint  you  can  often  obtain  relief  from  the  remedies 
recommended  for  toothache,  but  the  most  important  medicines  are  given 
below.  If  they  are  insuflicient  consult  a  homoeopathic  physician.  Do  not 
think  that  this  complaint  can  be  cured  by  cutting  or  burning;  in  most  cases 
when  the  nerve  has  been  cut  or  burnt  out,  the  complaint  has  returned  in  a 
much  worse  form.  Sometimes  relief  may  be  obtained  by  cold  or  warm 
water,  whichever  suits  best. 

Aconitum,  if  there  is  redness  and  heat  of  the  face,  and 
other  symptoms  mentioned  under  Aconite  for  toothache ; 
great  exasperation,  with  agitation,  restlessness;  the  pa- 
tient is  beside  himself  with  pain ;  neuralgia  alternates 
with  rheumatic  pains. 

Belladcmna,  if  the  pain  is  most  violent  under  the  eye, 
and  is  excited  by  rubbing  the  part  affected ;  darting  pains 
in  the  cheek-bones,  nose,  jaws,  or  cutting  and  tensive 
pains,  with  stiffness  at  the  nape  of  the  neck,  and  clench- 
ing of  the  jaws ;  twitches  in  the  eyelid,  or  violent  shoot- 
ing and  tearing,  and  dragging  pains  in  the  ball  of  the 
eye ;  eyes  water ;  convulsive  jerking  in  the  muscles  of  the 
face,  and  distortion  of  the  mouth ;  heat  and  redness  in 
the  face.  The  pain  comes  in  spells,  it  suddenly  disap- 
pears almost  entirely  and  as  suddenly  returns.  The  right 
side  is  generally  affected. 

Platina  for  boring  pain,  cramp-like ;  painful  feeling  of 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    TEETH.  2(33 

nnmbness  in  the  cheek-bones,  as  if  the  parts  were  between 
screws;  the  pains  are  attended  with  anxiety,  weeping  and 
palpitation  of  the  heart. 

Colocynihis  for  violent  rending  and  darting  pains, 
which  chiefl}^  occupy'  the  left  side  of  the  face,  are  aggra- 
vated by  the  shghtest  touch,  and  yet  in  some  cases  firm 
pressure  relieves  the  pain.  The  suffering  is  relieved  also 
by  perfect  rest  and  by  warmth. 

Arsenicum,  wlien  the  attacks  return  periodicallj',  and 
the  pains  are  more  esjiecially  burning,  stinging  as  from 
red-hot  needles;  great  anguish,  with  restle.ssness ;  exces- 
sive prostration,  with  desire  to  lie  down;  temporary  ame- 
lioration from  external  heat;  pains  are  worse  after  mid- 
night, especially  if  the  disease  has  been  caused  by  mala- 
rial influences. 

Splgdia  for  tearing,  shooting  and  burning  pains  in  all 
directions ;  periodical,  from  morning  till  sunset  but  worse, 
at  noon ;  worse  from  motion  or  noise,  with  watering  of  the 
eyes;  the  pam  i^  most  frequently  on  the  left  side;  the 
cheek  is  dark  red. 

Arnica  for  heat  and  throbbing.  Bryonia  for  heat  and 
pressing  pain,  better  from  external  pressure.  Staphisagria, 
when  there  \s  heat  with  throbbing,  shooting,  cutting,  tear- 
ing pain  or  burning  pressure  in  the  cheek  bones,  particu- 
larly on  the  left  side.  Cepa  for  heat  in  the  face  and  pain 
from  above  downwards,  as  if  from  a  thread  deep  in  the 
bones  of  the  left  side,  worse  in  the  evening.  C'alcarea  for 
tearing  pain  (first  left,  then  right  side).  Arsenicum,  draw- 
ing, piercing  pain  (first  right,  then  left  side).  Cinchona  or 
Hepar,  drawing  and  tearing  in  the  bones,  worse  when 
touched.  Hyoscyamus,  pressing  or  squeezing  in  the  jaw- 
bones.    Rhus,  pressing,  cutting,  stabbing. 

For  violent  pains,  mostly  in  the  bones,  look  under  Bella- 
donna, Hepar,  Cineliona,  Hyoscyamm,  Staphisagria.  For 
pressure  in  the  cheek-bone,  worse  when  touched,  compare 
Ilepar  and  Cinchona;  worse  in  the  evening.  Capsicum. 
For  jerking,  shooting  pains,  Pulsatilla. 


264  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

BAD  TASTE  IN  THE  MOUTH. 

If  the  taste  in  tlie  mouth  is  altered  and  the  other  symptoms  are  not  sufl5- 
cient  for  the  selection  of  the  jiroper  remedy,  consult  the  following  list: 

Bitter  taste  in  the  morning.— Sulphur,  Mercurius  vivus,  Bryonia,  Cal- 
carea,  Silicea. 

When  solid  food  tastes  bitter.— Sulphur,  Bryonia,  Eheum,  Ehns  tox., 
Ilepar,  Colocynthis,  Ferrum  met.;  food  and  drink  both  hitter: 
Pulsatilla,  Cinchona;  bitter  taste  after  eating  or  drinking:  Pulsa- 
tilla, Bryonia,  Arsenicum;  in  the  morning  or  evening:  Pulsatilla, 
Arnica;  at  different  times,  or  continually,  besides  the  above  medi- 
cines: Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Veratrura,  Nux  vomica,  Chamo- 
milla,  Antimonium  crudum,  Carbo  vegetabilis. 

For  sweet  taste. — Mercurius  vivus,  Sulphur,  Cuprum,  Belladonna,  Pul- 
satilla, Bryonia,  Cinchoiiii,  Ft-rrum,  Spongia;  in  the  morning: 
Sulphur;  when  1iiv;mI  testis  sweet:  Mercurius  vivus;  beer:  Pul- 
satilla; blood-like,  swet'tisb  taste:  Ferrum,  Sulphur;  when  like 
nuts:  Coffea. 

For  salt  taste. — Carbo  vegetabilis,  Eheum,  Phosphoric  acid,  Nux  vomica. 
Sulphur,  Arsenicum,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Cuprum;  when  food 
tastes  salt:  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Sulphur;  salt  taste  when  coughing: 
Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cocculus. 

For  sour  taste. — Rheum,  Phosphoric  acid,  Nux  vomica,  Cinchona,  Sul- 
phur, Capsicum,  Calcarea,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Cocculus,  Cuprum ; 
the  food  tastes  sour :  Cinchona,  Calcarea ;  after  meals :  Pulsatilla, 
Nux  vomica,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Cocculus, 
Silicea;  after  drinking  water :  Nux  vomica.  Sulphur;  after  drink- 
ing milk:  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Sulphur;  in  the  morning:  Nux 
vomica.  Sulphur. 

Acrid,  biting  taste. — Veratnim,  Ehus  tox. ;  brunt,  smoky  taste :  Pulsa- 
tilla, Nux  vomica.  Sulphur;  taste  like  herbs:  Veratrum,  Nux 
vomica;  taste  like  peppermint:  Veratrum. 

Earthy  taste. — Pulsatilla,  Hepar,  Cinchona;  insipid  taste:  Pulsatilla, 
Eheum,  Staphisagria,  Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Sulphur,  Dulcamara, 
Ehus  tox..  Ipecacuanha,  Capsicum;  slimy  taste:  Belladonna, 
Rheum,  Arnica,  Rhus  tox.,  Platina;  greasy,  oily  taste:  Silicea, 
Causticum  ;  greasy  taste :  Causticum ;  sticky  taste :  Phosphoric 
acid ;  watery  taste :  Staphisagria,  Cinchona,  Causticum. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    MOUTH.  265 

Putrid  taste. — Amiea,  Mercurius  vivus,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Chamo- 
milla,  Pulsatilla,  Aconitum,  Veratrum,  Phosphoric  acid.  Sulphur, 
Rhus  tox.,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Cuprum,  Causticum ;  in  the  morn- 
ing: Sulphur,  Rhus  tox.;  after  meals:  Rhus  tox.;  taste  like  pus: 
Pulsatilla. 

When  tobacco  has  a  sharp  taste.— Staphisagria;  when  bitter:  Coccu- 
lus;  loathsome:  Ipecacuanha;  disagreeable:  Ignatia,  Pulsatilla, 
Nux  vomica,  Arnica,  Calcarea,  Cocculus. 

When  food  has  no  flavor.— Mercurius,  Pulsatilla,  Staphisagria,  Bryonia, 
Nux  vomica,  Arsenicum ;  absence  of  taste :  Veratrum,  Belladonna, 
Puleatilla,  Kheum,  Bryonia,  Ilepar,  Ilyoscyamus;  in  chronic 
cases:  Silicea,  Natrum  muriaticum. 


OFFENSIVE  BREATH. 

Bad  breath  may  be  caused  from  disordered  stomach,  abuse  of  mercury, 
decayed  teeth,  disease  of  the  gums,  ulcers  in  the  mouth,  catarrh  of  the  nose, 
sore  tliroat,  or  want  of  proper  attention  to  cleanliness,  leaving  particles  of 
food  in  the  teeth,  etc. 

Rinse  the  mouth  and  throat  after  every  meal  with  cold  water,  and  brush 
the  teeth  with  a  soft  brush  after  each  meal. 

If  from  decayed  teeth,  consult  a  dentist ;  or  if  this  cannot  be  ccfcveniently 
done,  the  cavities  in  the  teeth  should  be  carefully  cleansed  and  filled  with 
wax.  The  tooth  can  be  readily  cleaned  by  making  use  of  a  roll  of  blotting 
paper  of  convenient  size,  and  applying  it  repeatedly  to  the  decayed  part. 

Rinsing  the  mouth  with  water  containing  charcoal,  or  chewing  a  roasted 
coftee-bean  will  improve  the  breath  for  awhile. 

The  smell  of  garlic  or  horseradish  may  be  overcome  by  drinking  some 
wine,  eating  a  pear  or  a  boiled  beet  or  by  chewing  fresh  parsley. 

Wlien  the  offensive  breath  arises  from  deranged  stomach,  or  other  dis- 
eases, tlie  proper  remedy  for  it  will  be  found  under  their  respective  lieads. 

If  the  bad  breath  is  only  perceived  in  the  morning,  give  Nux  vomica;  in 
t)ie  morning  and  at  night,  Pulsatilla;  after  dinner  only,  ChamomiUa,  and 
besides  in  many  cases  Bryonia,  Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Hyoscyamus.  If  the 
breath  smells  like  onions,  give  Cepa;  sweet  sickish  as  if  much  mercury 
had  been  used,  Mercuriiis ;  putrid,  Carbo  vegelabilis;  for  a  bad  breath  with 
wliite-coateil  tongue,  in  persons  of  a  very  changeable  disposition  and  who 
easily  take  cold,  give  Nur  moscliata. 


SCURVY   CANKER  AND  SIMILAR  AFFECTIONS  OF 
THE  iMOUTH. 

In  tliis  aflection  the   gums  become  hot,   red,  ami  very  sensitive;  they 
swell,  become  spongy,  and  separate  from  the  teeth ;  small  ulcers  make  their 


Zbb  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    MOUTH. 

appearance  on  the  gums,  the  inside  of  the  lips,  the  clieeks,  on  the  palate 
and  even  on  the  tongue ;  a  putrid,  very  oflensi ve  smell  is  emitted  from  the 
mouth,  there  is  a  discharge  of  tough,  oflensi  ve  mucus  and  saliva;  some- 
times the  glands  of  tlie  throat  swell  and  become  painful ;  tlie  patient  be- 
comes very  weak.  If  the  disease  has  appeared  in  consequence  of  an  im- 
proper diet,  i.  e.,  from  an  absence  of  fresh  vegetables,  or  from  eating  too 
much  salt  food,  these  needed  foods  should  be  supplied.  Lemon  juice  is 
greatly  necessary  in  such  cases. 

Mercurius,  in  almost  every  case  of  scurvy,  is  the  most 
efficacious  remedy,  and  may  always  be  given  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  disease,  unless  it  has  been  brought  on 
by  the  abuse  of  this  medicine ;  in  which  case,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  give  Carbo  vegetabilis  or  another  antidote.  In 
cases  where  Mercurius  is  not  entirely  curative,  Dulcamara 
may  be  given. 

If  the  disorder  has  arisen  from  the  excessive  use  of  salt 
food,  Carbo  vegetabilis  or  Arsenicum  will  be  of  most  service, 
and  if  these  fail  to  produce  a  favorable  change,  a  drop  of 
sweet  spirits  of  nitre  may  be  taken  once  or  twice  a  day 
with  benefit. 

Capsicum  may  be  indicated  as  the  first  remedy  when 
the  affection  occurs  in  inert  and  corpulent  persons,  and 
arises  from  uncleanliness  or  want  of  exercise  in  the  open 
air. 

Arsenicum,  may  be  given  if  the  ulcers  burn  violently, 
the  patient  is  much  debilitated,  or  if  Mercurius  proves 
inefficacious;  if  the  gums  become  black,  continue  the 
Arsenicum,;  but  if  blue  blisters  appear  on  their  edges, 
give  Lachesis. 

Mercxirius  sublimate  must  be  given  if  the  ulceration  is 
very  extensive  and  has  already  spread  to  the  nose,  and 
when  the  ichor  runs  back  into  the  throat  and  causes  com- 
plaints of  the  stomach  and  painful  diarrhoea.  Muriatic 
acid,  very  much  diluted,  is  better  if  the  trouble  was  brought 
on  by  the  use  of  too  much  salt  food. 

Dulcamara,  when  the  disorder  results  from  taking  cold, 
and  the  glands  of  the  throat  are  swollen  and  hard. 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    MOUTH.  267 

Carbo  vegetabilis,  besides  being  preferable  in  all  those 
cases  arising  from  the  abuse  of  mercury  or  salt,  is  particu- 
larly beneficial  when  the  gums  bleed  much  and  smell 
very  offensive.  If  it  is  insufficient,  give  afterwards  Lachesis 
or  Capsicum. 

Natrum  muriaticum,  when  the  ulcers  spread  slowly  and 
the  above  remedies  give  little  or  no  relief;  the  gums  are 
swollen,  bleed  and  are  very  sensitive;  every  thing  cold  or 
warm,  or  eating  and  drinking  affects  them ;  when  white 
blisters  and  small  ulcers  appear  on  the  tongue,  which 
bite  and  burn,  and  render  talking  painful. 

Among  the  most  important  measures  in  vogue  for  this  complaint,  the 
one  whicli  is  most  to  be  recommended  is,  lemon  juice ;  this  is  productive, 
especially  in  summer  and  at  sea,  of  a  very  salutary  effect.  If  no  lemons 
are  at  hand,  raw  potatoes,  grated,  will  answer;  but  raw  sour-kraut  is  better. 

Fruit,  vegetables  and  fresh  meat  must,  as  far  as  possible,  form  the  chief 
articles  of  diet. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

Aconitum  for  inflammation  and  swelling  of  the  tongue. 

Mercurius,  after  Aconitum;  or  at  first  when  there  is  vio- 
lent pain,  swelling,  hardness  and  salivation;  also  in  ulcer- 
ation of  the  tongue. 

Belladonna,  when  Mercurius  does  not  effect  a  cure,  and 
other  parts  of  the  mouth  are  painful  and  ulcerated.  It 
may  be  taken  either  before  or  after  Mercurius  for  indura- 
tion of  the  tongue. 

For  inflammation  caused  by  wounds,  give  first,  if  the 
pain  is  very  severe,  Aconitum,  and  then  Arnica;  should 
the  pain  increase,  give  Aconitum  again,  and  Arnica  once 
more,  if  necessary. 

Natrum  muriaticum,  if  from  the  sting  of  bees  or  the  like. 

Arsenicum,  then  Lachesis,  in  dangerous  cases,  when  no 
physician  is  at  hand,  with  threatened  gangrene,  indicated 
by  dark  and  greenish  or  black  appearance  of  the  tongue, 
etc. 


268  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   STOMACH. 

Phosphoric  acid  in  iuflammation  produced  by  biting 
the  tongue  during  sleep. 

Apis,  if  the  tongue  looks  scalded,  is  much  swollen,  with 
burning  blisters  on  its  margins,  bui-uing,  stitching,  bright 
redness  and  dryness. 

For  paralysis  of  the  tongue,  give  Belladonna,  Hyoscyamns 
or  Nux  moschata,  according  to  the  other  symptoms  and 
dispositions  of  the  patients. 

If  children  will  not  learn  to  talk,  Natrum  muriaticum 
may  be  tried. 


CHAPTER    IX. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

WANT  OF  APPETITE. 

The  common  remedies  for  arousing  tlie  appetite  are  mostly  calculated  to 
impair  it  altogether.  Articles  highly  salted,  sour  or  acrid ;  burning,  heat- 
ing spices,  roots,  herbs  or  barks  steeped  in  liquor,  and  taken  as  stomachics 
may  be  beneficial  medicines  when  used  at  the  proper  time,  in  the  right 
case,  and  in-  appropriate  quantities ;  and  every  one  knows  from  his  own 
experience,  or  has  witnessed  it  in  others,  that  they  sometimes  produce 
a  salutary  effect.  But  as  all  medicines  are  injurious  when  taken  in  too 
great  quantities,  or  too  frequently,  the  trying  of  many  of  these  things  must, 
of  course,  do  more  harm  than  good,  and  particularly  when  the  patient 
accustoms  himself  to  their  use.  Of  what  benefit  is  it  to  awaken  the  appe- 
tite for  a  day  or  two,  if  it  fails  again  immediately?  As  it  is  the  case  with 
all  food  that  is  partly  retained  in  the  body  and  partly  thrown  off,  so  it  is 
with  these  substances  also,  which  containing  no  nutriment,  cannot  supply 
any  to  the  human  economy.  By  degrees,  these  substances  so  accumulate 
in  the  system,  that  they  cause  incurable  diseases:  not  in  the  intestines, 
whence  they  might  be  e.tpelled  by  purgatives;  not  in  the  blood,  whence 
they  might  be  extracted  by  bleeding.  N'n,  these  arc  impiilar  errors;  every- 
one who  knows  anything  of  physiology,  is  ;nv:ire  thai  nothing  can  remain 
in  the  blood  any  more  than  in  the  inlestim  s,  tlie  lurrner  changing  every- 
day ;  but  it  is  the  solid  parts  of  the  body  whieli  undergo  a  change. 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   STOMACH.  269 

Persons  who  use  these  things  now  and  then  in  small  quantities,  cannot  do 
themselves  great  harm.  Sometimes  salt  fish  or  acids,  particularly  in  sum- 
mer, have  a  good  efi'eet,  especially  when  there  is  strong  craving  for  these 
things,  and  when  this  longing  ceases  after  having  heen  satisfied ;  if  however 
the  same  craving  returns  very  soon,  it  is  a  sign  that  their  use  is  injurious. 

Tlie  best  remedy,  in  addition  to  exercise  and  recreation  in  the  open  air, 
is  the  regular  use  of  cold  water.  In  tlie  morning,  particularly  fasting,  an 
hour  or  two  before,  and  a  couple  of  hours  alter  each  meal,  and  in  the  even- 
ing before  going  to  bed,  drink  regularly  a  glass  of  water.  At  meals  drink 
moderately,  and  after  eating  heartily  but  small  quantities  at  a  time. 


WEAKNESS  OF  THE  STOMACH.   DYSPEPSIA. 
INDIGESTION. 

The  most  essential  information  respecting  this  complaint,  when  it  is  felt 
very  soon  after  eating,  has  been  given  under  Chapter  IV.,  Part  I.  When 
arising  from  other  causes,  see  Chapters  I.,  II.  and  V.,  Part  I.  There  are, 
however,  many  cases  where  different  causes  exercise  an  influence  at  the 
same  time;  or  where  the  causes  are  not  known,  or  some  are  of  a  temporary 
nature,  while  others  are  lasting,  the  latter  generally  passing  under  the 
name  of  dyspepsia;  some  cases  of  this  kind  are  the  commencement  of 
violent  and  dangerous  diseases.  "Dyspepsia"  is  a  very  convenient  name 
often  used  by  physicians  to  conceal  their  ignorance.  It  means  "bad  diges- 
tion," and  this  accompanies  a  great  many  diseases,  it  is  generally  a  mere 
symptom  of  another  disease  which  the  physician  does  not  know,  he  there- 
fore calls  it  "  Dyspepsia,"  and  most  patients  are  satisfied,  because  they 
believe  a  physician  can  cure  every  disease  which  he  can  call  by  a  learned 
name!  We  will  here  mention  several  kinds  of  which  anyone  can  cure 
himself;  but  there  are  many  complaints  called  dyspepsia  which  need  the 
aid  of  a  homoeopathic  physician. 

The  most  important  condition  for  a  cure  is  a  rational  mode  of  living,  not 
adopted  for  a  time  merely,  but  permanently;  the  food  must  be  wholesome, 
nutritive,  of  sufficient  quantity,  and  also  varied,  to  suit  the  requirements  of 
the  stomach.  But  to  be  more  definite  it  may  be  said  that  the  proper  diet 
consists  in  avoiding  everything  old,  salty,  pickled  or  otherwise  half  spoiled 
or  dried,  for  instance  rancid  butter.  In  the  morning  partake  of  a  light 
breakfast,  notliing  heavy,  little  or  no  meat,  sometimes  eggs,  nothing  fried 
in  fat  or  butter,  no  new  warm  bread,  but  have  stale  bread.  For  dinner  eat 
vegetables  and  meat  boiled  or  roasted,  and  for  dessert  stale  bread  and 
butter,  no  cake  or  pies,  not  even  the  fruit  baked  in  it.  In  the  evening  eat 
little  and  only  very  light  things,  notliing  baked  or  fried,  and  take  cold 
water  in  preference  to  all  other  drinks.  Do  not  ever  suppose  that  anything 
sour  can  be  sweetened ;  the  tongue  may  be  cheated  in  this  way,  but  not  the 
stomach ;  the  same  holds  good  with  acrid  or  bitter  things. 


270  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   STOMACH. 

For  all  acute  cases  of  indigestion  which  are  usually  attended  with  want 
of  appetite,  nausea,  pains,  particularly  griping,  disturbed  sleep  and  weak- 
ness, select  from  among  the  first  medicines  here  prescribed;  in  chronic 
cases  among  those  found  further  on. 

Arnica,  when  the  disorder  has  been  caused  by  a  blow 
upon  the  stomach,  or  by  Hfting  heavy  weights,  with  pain 
and  a  sensation  as  if  the  small  of  the  back  were  broken ; 
by  much  mental  application,  and  particularly  when 
caused  by  over-excitement  and  irritability ;  when  the  pa- 
tient is  very  nervous,  the  tongue  dry,  or  coated  yellowish ; 
the  taste  putrid  or  bitter  and  sour,  with  a  bad  smell  from 
the  mouth ;  the  patient,  even  if  accustomed  to  smoking, 
loathes  tobacco ;  craving  for  something  acid ;  eructations 
sometimes,  with  a  taste  as  of  rotten  eggs ;  after  meals  a 
sense  of  fulness  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  inclination  to 
vomit,  retching,  flatulency ;  the  abdomen  is  distended ; 
accompanied  by  a  heaviness  in  all  the  limbs,  weakness  in 
the  legs,  giddiness,  fulness  in  the  head,  particularly  over 
the  sockets  of  the  eyes,  dull  feeling  and  heat  in  the  head, 
disagreeable  warmth,  frequent  awaking,  starting  up  in 
sleep,  troubled  dreams.  If  Arnica  does  not  suffice  in  these 
cases,  give  Nux  vomica,  or,  this  not  answering,  Chamomilla. 

Mix  vomica,  if  caused  by  dissipation  and  late  hours,  by 
drinking  wine  or  coffee,  particularly  if  the  patient  has 
caught  cold  besides ;  when  the  mouth  is  dry  without 
thirst,  the  tongue  coated  white ;  accumulation  of  mucus 
in  the  mouth,  and  heartburn,  no  taste,  or  all  kinds  of 
food  taste  insipid,  water  collects  in  the  mouth,  vomiting, 
pressure  and  weight  in  the  stomach,  the  abdomen  is  dis- 
tended, scanty  and  hard  evacuations,  or  none  at  all ;  reel- 
ing, giddiness  or  dulness  in  the  head,  heaviness  in  the 
back  part  of  the  head,  ringing  in  the  ears,  drawing  sensa- 
tion in  the  molars,  sometimes  below  and  sometimes  above; 
drawing  in  the  limbs;  want  of  energy  and  aversion  to 
thinking ;  the  patient  is  restless,  quarrelsome,  sullen ;  at 
times  there  is  heat  in  the  face ;  red  pimples  on  the  face. 
If  this  remedy  is  not  sufficient,  give  Chamomilla. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  271 

Chamomilla,  when  the  patient  has  eaten  or  drank  soon 
after  great  anger,  and  has  a  bittef  taste  in  the  mouth, 
bitter  eructations,  vomiting  of  green  mucus  or  light  col- 
ored bile ;  tossing  about  during  sleep,  frequent  awaking, 
pain  and  fulness  in  the  head,  the  face  red  and  hot,  the 
eyes  red  and  burning,  the  disposition  very  sensitive.  If 
it  does  not  relieve,  give  Pulsatilla;  if  tliis  also  is  insuffi- 
cient, give  Nux  vomica. 

Pulsatilla,  when  different  kinds  of  meat  or  drinks,  which 
do  not  agree  with  each  other,  have  been  taken  at  the  same 
time,  particularly  such  as  produce  flatulency ;  or  when 
much  fat  has  been  eaten,  especially  that  of  pork  or  mut- 
ton, or  sausages,  anything  fried  in  rancid  butter,  or  pastry 
baked  in  mixed  fat ;  particularly  when  the  taste  is  bitter, 
salt,  or  resembles  that  of  putrid  meat  or  tallow ;  bread  and 
all  other  kinds  of  food  produce  a  bitter  taste ;  distaste  for 
tobacco ;  and  also  when  there  is  accumulation  of  mucus 
in  the  mouth,  a  scratching  in  the  throat,  eructation  tast- 
ing of  bile,  or  a  feeling  of  acidity  and  acridness  in  the 
stomach ;  a  particular  aversion  to  warm  food,  no  thirst 
and  particularly  none  for  water ;  the  abdomen  is  swollen, 
tense,  particularly  under  the  ribs,  rolling  and  rumbling 
in  the  abdomen ;  slow,  troublesome,  small  evacuations  or 
diarrhcea;  drawing  in  the  limbs  as  from  fever  and  ague; 
the, patient  feels  chilly,  weak,  is  cross,  silent,  annoyed  at 
every  trifle,  cries  easily,  with  little  inclination  to  speak. 
,^-  Cinchona  is  often  most  suitable  when  the  air  is  infected 
with  noxious  vapors,  in  spring  and  autumn,  when  wet 
days  are  succeeded  by  dry  weather;  in  countries  where 
there  are  many  canals,  particularly  if  recently  made,  or 
where  there  is  much  drained  land,  or  many  fogs ;  also  for 
persons  who  are  obliged  to  work  where  they  breathe  nox- 
ious odors,  and  have  not  a  sufficient  supply  of  fresh  air ; 
it  frequently  cures  the  forerunners  of  fever  and  ague,  and 
prevents  the  fever  altogether.  There  is  a  constant  feeling 
of  having  eaten  to  satiety,  indifference  to  food  and  drink ; 


272  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH. 

after  eating,  the  food  remains  a  long  time  in  the  stomach; 
constant  eructations,  the  undigested  food  is  frequently- 
vomited;  morbid  craving  for  hearty,  acrid  or  sour  things; 
weakness  of  the  body,  and  a  disposition  to  lie  down,  with- 
out being  able  to  remain  quiet ;  the  patient  is  obliged  to 
bend  and  stretch  his  limbs,  which  are  quite  stiff  in  the 
morning ;  frequent  flushes  of  heat ;  chilliness  from  every 
breath  of  air;  the  urine  is  dark  colored  and  deposits  a 
copious  sediment;  after  lying  down  the  patient  finds  it 
difficult  to  go  to  sleep,  and  is  constantly  disturbed ;  the 
disposition  is  melancholy  and  morose. 

Antimonium  crudum,  when  the  patient  feels  sick  at  the 
stomach,  the  tongue  is  coated  or  blistered ;  frequent  eruc- 
tations which  taste  of  the  food  last  taken ;  the  mouth  feels 
dry,  or  tlie  saliva  flows  from  it :  there  is  much  thirst,  par- 
ticularly during  the  night ;  great  desire  for  sour  things ; 
accumulation  of  mucus  in  the  throat,  or  vomiting  of  mu- 
cus and  bile,  the  stomach  feels  too  full,  or  is  sore  when 
touched ;  there  is  besides  flatulency  and  griping,  or  con- 
stipation and  diarrhoea.  The  patient  is  very  drowsy  and 
could  sleep  all  the  time.  If  Antimonium  crudum  does  not 
soon  produce  a  favorable  change,  give  Bryonia. 

Bryonia,  when  the  stomach  is  disordered,  and  the  pa- 
tient feels  cold  and  chilly;  the  bowels  constipated,  the 
tongue  coated  white  or  yellow,  or  blistered  as  under  Anti- 
moniuyn  crudum.  The  same  thirst,  but  it  is  continuous 
both  by  night  and  day ;  and  more  dryness  in  the  throat 
and  the  stomach.  It  is  most  suitable  in  summer,  or  when 
the  weather  is  warm  and  damp.  Should  Bryonia  not  help, 
give  Antimo7iium  crudum. 

Cepa,  no  hunger  but  much  tliirst,  particularly  in  the 
evening;  the  greatest  nausea;  many  eructations  which 
relieve  a  little,  sometimes  frothy  mucus  is  raised ;  weak- 
ness in  the  stomach,  as  if  empty,  pressure  therein,  more 
when  bending  forwards;  fulness  in  the  head,  much  yawn- 
ing; much  flatulence,  with  jiain  in  the  bowels  therefrom; 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  273 

ton<i;ue  always  coatt'd,  particularly  towards  its  base  and 
early  in  the  morning. 

Ipecacuanha,  when  there  is  a  catarrhal  state  of  the 
stomach,  or  it  is  otherwise  debilitated ;  when  the  tongue  is 
not  coated,  although  the  patient  is  sick  at  the  stomach 
and  vomits;  it  is  particularly  indicated  when  there  is 
loathing  of  food,  of  tobacco;  for  easy  or  violent  vomiting; 
when  the  vomit  contains  mucus,  especially  when  accom- 
panied by  diarrhoea;  also  when  the  comiilaint  returns 
every  day,  or  every  other  day,  at  the  same  hour. 

Hepar,  when  the  stomach  is  easily  disordered,  notwith- 
standing a  regular  mode  of  living  is  followed,  or  when 
this  occurs  despite  the  utmost  care,  and  frequently  with 
craving  for  acids,  heart}'-,  acrid  articles,  or  for  wine ;  when 
accompanied  by  nausea,  inclination  to  vomit,  and  eructa- 
tions, principally  in  the  morning;  at  times  sour  or  bilious 
vomiting  and  throwing  up  of  mucus;  accumulation  of 
phlegm  in  the  throat,  pain  in  bowels,  and  hard,  dry  stools. 
It  will  be  particularly  useful  for  weak  stomach  produced 
by  taking  blue  pills,  or  other  preparations  of  mercury. 

Lachesis  in  cases  where  Hepar  has  been  insufficient,  and 
when  the  complaint  is  worse  immediately  after  meals,  or 
early  in  the  morning;  when  several  days  pass  without  any 
evacuation. 

Tedious  cases  of  dyspepsia  may  sometimes  be  cured  by 
Sulpliur — taken  at  very  long  intervals.  When  improving, 
the  patient  should  wait,  until  the  symptoms  remain  sta- 
tionary or  are  decidedly  worse  again,  before  repeating  it. 
If  it  fails  to  effect  a  cure  after  a  considerable  time,  give 
Calcarea  or  Mercnrins,  and  afterwards  Sulphur  may  act 
more  lavorablv  again. 


CATARRH  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Tliis  malady  is  rliararterized  liy  weakness  of  the  stomach,  attencied  with 
accuimiliitinn  of  mucus  in  the  niuuth  and  lliroat,  or  witli  tlie  throwing  up 

IS 


274  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH. 

of  mucus.  In  other  respects  the  symptoms  resemble  those  of  "  Dyspepsia," 
witli  the  exception  that  the  taste  is  more  insipid  or  sweetish.  Before 
eating  the  patients  are  usually  very  weak  and  miserable,  and  after  eating 
they  feel  full  and  uneasy. 

In  the  treatment  of  this  complaint,  Ipecacuanha  should 
be  first  given,  and  then  if  necessary  one  of  the  following 
remedies : 

Rheum.,  if,  in  addition  to  the  above  symptoms,  there  is 
diarrhcEa  of  a  thin,  brown,  slimy  character,  which  smells 
sour  or  musty. 

Veratrum,  when  the  symptoms  are  violent  and  accom- 
panied by  vomiting  of  bile,  or  bilious  diarrhcea,  etc. 

Capsicum.,  if  accompanied  by  burning  in  the  throat  or 
stomach,  or  in  the  anus  during  the  evacuations. 

Consult  also  the  symptoms  of  Pulsatilla  and  Hepar  in 
last  chapter. 

Persons  afflicted  with  this  aflfection  should  take  cold 
water  freely,  six  to  twelve  glasses  every  day,  and  gargle 
the  throat  each  time. 


HEARTBURN.   WATERBRASH. 

Heartburn  consists  of  a  hot  sensation  felt  principally  in  tlie  pit  of  the 
stomach,  and  followed  after  a  time  by  sour,  or  acrid  eructations  or  risings. 

It  is  frequently  connected  with  dyspepsia  and  other  affections  of  the 
stomach,  and  may  be  cured  by  the  remedies  recommended  for  these  com- 
[ilaints. 

NuiL  vomica  often  helps,  or  if  the  symptom  comes  especially  after  eating. 
Cinchona;  if  this  remedy  does  not  help,  give  Carbo  ver/etabilis ;  when  neither 
Nux  vomica,  Chamomilla  or  Pulsatilla  relieve,  give  Capsicum. 

When  caused  by  smoking,  Stapliisagria ;  if  attended  by  much  thirst, 
Belladonna.  For  fuller  indications,  however,  see  "Dyspepsia,"  "Cramps 
of  the  Stomach,"  and  "  Flatulency." 

When  these  remedies  are  ineffectual  in  pregnant  women,  a  slice  of  lemon 
sugared  and  kept  in  the  mouth  is  beneficial.  Sometimes  drinking  sugar- 
water  every  morning,  and  freely  of  cold  water  will  remove  it,  although  it 
may  make  it  worse  in  the  beginning.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  use  any 
soda  or  potash,  as  these  often  produce  dangerous  maladies;  also  to  avoid 
chalk,  magnesia,  prepared  oyster  shells,  etc. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  275 

NAUSEA  AND  VOMITING. 

It  i.-5  very  important  tliat  the  possible  cause  should  always  be  taken  into 
cuiisideration,  and  the  remedies  be  selected  accordingly.  Very  frequently 
the  symptoms  disappear  of  themselves  after  vomiting,  therefore  it  may  be 
promoted  by  giving  tepid  water,  tickling  the  throat  witli  a  feather,  or  by 
giving  coftee  without  milk.  Ko  powerful  emetics  should  be  taken ;  they 
always  weaken  the  stomach.      '. 

Give,  when  tlie  tongue  is  tliiekly  coated  white  or  yel- 
low, Antimonium  crudura,  or,  when  the  tongue  is  clean  or 
.slightly  coated.  Ipecacuanha.  If  the  edges  of  the  tongue 
are  red,  tip  red,  or  small  red  spots  on  it,  give  Antimonium 
tartaricum.  Sometimes  nausea  and  vomiting  are  caused 
by  fright,  grief,  vexation,  by  taking  cold,  overheating,  sit- 
ting up  at  night,  overloading  the  storaacli,  drinking  in- 
toxicating liquors  or  chamomile  tea,  smoking,  or  by  using 
rhubarb  and  other  so-called  medicines,  or  from  other  poi- 
sons. Having  ascertained  the  causes,  look  under  their  re- 
spective heads. 

When  nausea  and  vomiting  are  caused  by  a  fall  on  tlie 
liead,  give  Arnica;  when  by  some  foreign  body  in  the 
throat,  see  under  that  head. 

When  comiected  with  giddiness  or  headache,  see  Chap- 
ter I.,  Part  II.  ("Headache");  when  the  medicines  recom- 
mended in  such  cases  do  not  give  relief,  give  Lachesis,  and 
afterwards  if  necessary,  Belladonna.  For  vomiting,  with 
cough.  Ipecacuanha,  Mercurius,  Capsicum,  Pulsatilla,  Bry- 
onia, Cinchona,  Drosera,  Phosphoric  acid,  Sulphur,  Calcarea, 
or  Lachesis.  The  particular  symptoms  for  the  choice  of 
each  will  be  found  under  "  Cough  "  or  "  Whooping  Cough." 

When  caused  by  riding,  give  Cocculus,  or  see  "  Sea- 
sickness." 

For  vomiting  during  pregnancy,  see  under  that  head. 

A^omiting  from  weakness  of  the  stomach,  occuring  after 
every  meal,  is  often  cured  by  Pulsatilla  or  Nux  vomica,  and 
sometimes  Bryonia.    Pulsatilla  will  be  beneficial  when  the 


276  AFFECTIONS   OF    THE    STOMACH. 

stomach  is  so  weak  that  only  very  little  food  can  be  taken 
at  a  time,  and  the  least  surfeit  causes  vomiting  with  spasm 
and  cutting  pain  in  the  bowels,  or  giddiness  and  vomiting 
of  white,  tough  mucus,  diarrhoea,  weakness  of  the  limbs, 
and  sometimes  fainting.  Cocculus,  for  the  same  symptoms 
as  the  above,  when  that  is  insufficient,  followed,  if  neces- 
sary, by  Nuz  vomica  and  afterwards  Bryonia. 

Cinchona  or  Ferrum  may  be  in  some  cases  necessary  to 
complete  the  cure,  or  Sulphur,  followed  by  Arsenicum  or 
Hyoscyamus,  may  be  required  in  some  severe  cases  which 
the  foregoing  remedies  have  failed  to  relieve. 

Calcarea  will  be  serviceable  in  jn-otracted,  chronic  cases, 
especially  after  Sulphur. 

In  vomiting  of  blood  when  it  is  very  dark,  give  Ipecac- 
uanha, or,  if  not  better  soon,  Hamamelis ;  and  if  this  is  in- 
sufficient, give  Arnica,  and  send  for  a  physician  as  soon 
as  possible. 

For  vomiting  in  children,  caused  by  worms,  see  "Com- 
plaints caused  by  Worms." 

If  a  person  vomits  all  he  has  eaten  after  every  meal,  and  if  this  contin- 
ues until  he  has  become  quite  thin,  he  ought  to  eat  light  and  nourishing 
food,  very  little  at  a  time,  hut  often.  If  he  has  much  pain  hefore  throwing 
up,  he  ought  to  eat  not  more  than  one  tablespoonful  every  hour.  At  first, 
rich  milk,  cream,  gruel,  arrow-root  or  starch,  better  with  sugar  than  with 
salt ;  afterwards,  now  and  then,  good  broth  or  beef  essence.  This  will  be 
nourishment  enough  while  the  medicines  liave  time  to  act. 

Give  Hyosqjanms  for  pulsating  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach;  Arsenicum  for 
burning;  i-Vrwrn  for  pressure;  Ca>6o  fcje^oiiVis  for  pressing  outwards ;  Cal- 
carea for  stinging. 

It  is  still  better  to  consult  a  physician. 


SEA-SICKNESS. 

Opium  has  given  the  quickest  relief,  and  may  be  re- 
peated whenever  the  symptoms  increase.  In  some  cases 
('(H-ndux  is  better.  Petroleum  is  always  to  be  given  if  Coc- 
culus does  not  relieve.    Nux  vomica  will  often  be  of  service. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  ^Il 

especially  if  the  stomach  was  disordered  before  going  on 
board,  or  is  so  by  the  manner  of  living  on  board  ship. 
Owing  to  the  differences  in  the  constitutions  of  persons 
they  are  ditferently  affected  by  the  motion  of  the  ship, 
some  becoming  easily  accustomed  to  it,  others  with 
greater  difficulty,  and  others  again,  not  at  all.  Hence 
the  remedies  must  be  adapted  to  the  constitutional  pecu- 
liarities from  which  the  sickness  arises. 

Some  persons  are  benefited  by  drinking  brandy  and 
water,  and  others  by  eating  raw  ham  highly  peppered. 
In  most  cases  benefit  will  be  derived  by  taking  as  much 
exercise  as  possible,  forcing  one's  self  to  eat,  and  placing 
blotting  paper  soaked  in  rum,  brandy,  or  whisky,  on  the 
l)it  of  the  stomach.  In  cases  of  severe  headache  with  de- 
.sire  for  sour,  hearty  food,  give  Sepia. 


PAIN,  CRAMP  OR  SPASM  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

The  following  remedies  m.iy  be  tried,  and  will  sometimes  alleviate  the 
complaint.  From  time  to  time  a  talilespoonful  of  milk  may  be  swallowed ; 
and  the  region  of  the  stomach  rubbed  with  warm  olive  or  linseed  oil.  Some 
are  relieved  by  swallowing  a  spoonful  of  linseed  oil.  Sometimes  relief  is 
olitaiued  by  taking  weak  chicken  broth,  sometimes  from  the  application  to 
tlie  region  of  the  stomach  of  a  sheet  of  blotting  paper  wet  with  rum.  The 
same  persons,  however,  will  find  great  relief  from  taking  Niix  vomica,  if 
they  will  only  refrain  from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  and  coffee,  and  even 
avoid  smelling  them.  A  few  handfuls  of  common,  roa.sted  oatmeal  may  be 
placed  warm  upon  the  stomach  in  a  small  bag=— the  meal  must  not  be  quite 
ius  brown  as  coffee.  This  is  very  useful  when  the  patient  has  before  taken 
o|)iiim  or  laudanum,  and,  as  usual,  the  complaint  has  been  thereby  aggra- 
vated. 

Nux  vomica  helps  coffee  or  l)randy  drinkers,  when  they 
abstain  from  taking  these  drinks ;  the  pain  in  the  stomach 
is  contracting,  or  pressing,  the  clothes  seem  too  tight,  or 
there  appears  to  be  a  collection  of  wind  on  the  left  side 
under  the  ribs,  worse  after  eating,  after  rising  early,  some- 
times disturbing  the  patient  in  his  sleep.     These  pains  are 


Z/»  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH. 

sometimes  accompanied  by  oppression  of  the  cliest,  as  if  a 
band  encircled  it;  sometimes  it  extends  to  the  back  be- 
tween the  shoulders  and  to  the  small  of  the  back.  The 
pains  are  frequently  attended  by  nausea  or  accumulation 
of  water  in  the  mouth ;  or  sour,  bitter,  burning  fluid  rises 
in  the  throat ;  vomiting  of  food ;  sour,  i>utrid  taste  in  the 
mouth ;  flatulency ;  distension  of  the  abdomen,  and  con- 
stipation. Sometimes  it  is  accompanied  by  one-sided 
headache,  pressing  pain  in  the  forehead,  or  palpitation  of 
the  heart  and  anxiety.  If  Nux  vomica  produces  but  tem- 
porary improvement,  and  the  complaint  returns  again  in 
a  few  days,  a  dose  of  Pulsatilla,  Chamomilla,  or  Ignalia — 
whichever  seems  best  adapted  to  the  s}'mptonis — must  be 
given.  If  after  this  the  symptoms  return,  Nux  vomica  may 
be  repeated  again,  but  if  this  is  not  sufiicieut,  Carlo  vcgeta- 
bilis  may  be  given. 

If  drinking  coffee  aggravates  the  complaint,  Nux  vomica 
will  be  the  proper  remedy ;  if  the  pain  is  relieved  by  it, 
Chamomilla. 

Chamomilla  will  also  be  indicated  when  there  is  a  press- 
ure in  the  stomach  as  from  a  stone ;  when  the  pit  of  the 
stomach  and  the  parts  immediately  under  the  ribs  on  the 
left  side  are  so  distended  as  to  cause  great  anxiety  and 
shortness  of  breath.  The  symptoms  are  worse  during  the 
night;  the  patient  is  extremely  uneasy  and  agitated,  tosses 
about  in  the  bed,  and  sweats  profusely ;  sometimes  he  is 
troubled  with  a  throbbing  pain  on  top  of  the  head  which 
drives  him  out  of  bed.  The  pain  in  the  stomach  is  some- 
what alleviated  when  he  draws  himself  up,  and  lies  per- 
fectly quiet.  When  the  pains  are  very  violent,  give  Coffea, 
and  afterwards,  if  necessary,  Chamomilla.  If  Chamomilla 
is  of  but  little  use,  give  Belladonna. 

Cramp  of  the  stomach  during  menstruation  can  gener- 
ally be  cured  by  Nux  vomica  or  afterwards  by  Chamomilla; 
but  if  the  discharge  is  very  scanty,  Pulsatilla  or  Cocculus. 

Cocculus  is  indicated  when  Nux  vomica  gives  some  re- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  279 

lief,  but  the  jjaiii  returns  very  soon,  and  is  accompanied 
Ly  hard  evacuations,  or  no  movement  of  the  bowels ;  when 
tlic  pain  in  the  stomach  is  accompanied  by  a  pressing, 
contracting  pain  extending  over  the  abdomen,  alleviated 
by  the  discharge  of  wind ;  when  there  is  some  sickness  of 
the  stomach,  and  collection  of  water  in  the  mouth  without 
heartburn;  when  the  patient  is  not  irritable,  angry,  or 
violent  (in  which  case  you  would  give  Nux  vomica),  but 
rather  sullen  and  taciturn. 

Aconite  for  violent  pain ;  the  pit  of  the  stomach  being 
distended  and  very  sensitive  to  pressure,  even  to  the  touch ; 
vomiting  all  the  food  taken,  at  last  empty  retching;  coated 
tongue,  the  edges  or  tip  red ;  the  abdomen  hot ;  feet  cold. 

Belladonna,  when  Aconite  gives  only  partial  relief,  espe- 
cially in  women  and  persons  who  are  delicate  and  sensi- 
tive; when  there  is  a  gnawing  pressure  or  a  spasmodic 
tension  of  the  stomach  which  obliges  the  patient  to  lean 
back  or  to  hold  his  breath,  by  which  the  pain  is  also  miti- 
gated ;  when  the  pain  always  returns  after  dinner ;  when  it 
is  so  violent  as  to  deprive  the  patient  of  consciousness,  or 
make  him  faint.  It  is  mostly  accompanied  by  thirst,  and 
drinking  increases  the  pain ;  evacuations  tardy  and  small ; 
the  patient  cannot  sleep  at  niglit.  Should  the  suffering 
grow  worse  after  this,  with  great  thirst,  the  tip  of  the 
tongue  being  dry,  give  Bhus ;  should  this  also  fail,  give 
Arsenicum. 

Bryonia  for  the  same  kind  of  pressure  as  Chamomilla, 
particularly  when  it  commences  during  meals,  or  immedi- 
ately afterwards,  and  the  j^it  and  region  of  the  stomach 
feel  as  if  swollen;  sometimes  the  pressure  changes  to  a 
contracting,  pinching  or  cutting  pain,  which  is  relieved 
by  pressing  upon  the  stomach,  or  by  eructations  of  wind  ; 
the  j)ains  are  aggravated  by  motion  (the  opposite  in  Cln- 
chona).  The.se  symptoms  are  attended  with  constipation, 
and  a  pressure  in  the  temples,  the  forehead  or  back  part 
of  the  head,  as  if  the  bones  of  the  head  were  being  forced 


280  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   STOMACH.     , 

asunder,  which  is  better  when  pressed  hard  or  tied  tight 
with  a  handkerchief. 

Pulsatilla,  when  the  pains  are  of  a  piercing  character ; 
are  worse  when  walking,  particularly  on  making  a  false 
step,  and  always  accompanied  by  nausea  or  vomiting ;  the 
evacuations  loose ;  no  thirst,  except  during  the  most  vio- 
lent pains ;  also  when  there  is  great  tension  of  the  stomach, 
with  pinching  pain,  or  violent  throbbing,  with  anxiety ; 
griping  pain,  diminished  by  eating,  or  the  symptoms  are 
made  worse  by  eating;  the  pain  being  pressing  and  pinch- 
ing. This  remedy  is  most  suitable  for  persons  of  a  mild, 
gentle  disposition,  or  if  cake  or  rich,  fat  food  was  the  cause. 

Nux  moschata,  pressure  in  the  stomach,  which  feels  full 
and  distended ;  a  feeling  of  satiety  after  eating  only  a  lit- 
tle ;  after  eating,  feels  very  bad  and  uncomfortable,  short 
of  breath ;  headache  after  eating  too  much ;  headache 
always  after  breakfast  or  immediately  after  eating  and 
drinking,  cramp  and  pain  in  the  bowels;  offensive  breath, 
white-coated  tongue ;  the  patient  likes  to  sit  in  the  house 
and  feels  drowsy  from  it. 

Ignatia,  when  Pulsatilla  is  insufficient  and  the  com- 
plaints continue  for  several  days;  the  pains  resemble 
those  of  Nux  vomica,  but  are  without  the  hard  stools 
and  with  less  vomiting;  also  when  there  is  pressure  in 
the  upper  part  of  the  stomach  after  every  meal,  or  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  throat.  It  is  suitable  in  cases  brought 
on  by  insufficient  food  or  starvation.  It  is  particularly 
indicated  when  the  stomach  feels  as  if  it  was  hanging  on 
a  thread. 

Cinchona  for  spasm  of  the  stomach  in  debilitated  per- 
sons, brought  on  by  using  emetics  or  cathartics,  being 
bled  or  cupped  frequently,  or  by  profuse  loss  of  blood  in 
any  way,  or  by  salivation  or  loss  of  fluids  by  other  means. 
It  is  of  the  first  importance  in  pain  occurring  in  women 
who  are  nursing,  or  who  are  debilitated  by  nursing  their 
children  too  long;  or  from  excessive  secretion  and  flow 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    STOMACH.  281 

of  milk.  Bdladonna  will  follow  it  in  these  cases  advan- 
tageousl}'.  Cinchona  must,  therefore,  be  given  first,  when 
women  have  spasm  of  the  stomach  from  nursing,  particu- 
larly when  much  milk  runs  away  (here  Belladonna  is  to 
be  given  afterwards),  or  when  they  continue  nursing  too 
long,  that  is,  more  than  nine  months ;  in  the  latter  case 
the  child  ought  to  be  weaned.  Generally,  when  the  di- 
gestion is  not  good,  with  too  great  a  secretion  of  mucus, 
and  acidity  in  the  stomach;  when  the  stomach  feels  sore; 
when  meat  and  drink  cause  pressure  and  inflation  of  the 
stomach,  and  if  the  pains  are  worse  when  the  patient  is  at 
rest,  and  better  when  in  motion.  Cinchona  will  be  the  best 
remedy. 

Carbo  vegetahilis,  particularly  when  Nax  vomica  has 
proved  useful,  but  only  for  a  short  time ;  when  there  is  a 
burning  pain,  or  constant,  painful,  anxious  pressure,  worse 
when  touched ;  or  with  a  contracting,  spasmodic  sensation, 
forcing  the  patient  to  bend,  taking  away  his  breath,  and 
aggravated  by  lying  down.  Frequently  accompanied  by 
heartburn  and  nausea;  loathing  at  the  very  thought  of 
food ;  constipation. 

Calcarea,  in  chronic  cases,  or  when  Belladonna  has  been 
of  temporary  benefit ;  for  oppressive,  cutting,  contractive, 
spasmodic,  pinching,  choking  pains,  with  a  feeling  of  anx- 
iety; worse  after  eating;  frequently  attended  by  vomiting 
of  food,  and  worse  at  night;  with  pain  from  external  press- 
ure ;  it  is  particularly  suitable  for  women  whose  monthly 
sicknesses  are,  or  have  been,  too  early  and  very  co{>ious ; 
or  for  those  who  bleed  much  from  the  nose. 

Phosphorus  for  violent  pressure  in  the  stomach,  some- 
times worse  when  empty,  and  sometimes  worse  after 
eating. 

Caufstlciim  for  ]iains  in  the  stomach  after  swallowing 
food  or  drink  wliicii  was  too  liot. 

Inflammation  of  stomach — see  "Inflammation  of  Ab- 
domen." 


^O^  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   ABDOMEN. 

CHAPTER  X. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

COLIC. 

It  may  be  excited  by  acid  fruits  and  indigestible  food;  by  catching  coH 
from  changes  of  weatlier,  wet  feet,  exposure,  etc.;  also  by  drinking  cold 
water  or  other  cold  beverages  when  heated;  by  worms;  by  the  action  of 
lead  on  the  body,  as  met  with  frequently  in  painters,  plumbers,  and  other 
workmen  who  come  in  contact  with  lead;  also  in  persons  who  have  drunk 
wine  adulterated  with  metallic  poisons,  or  who  are  in  the  habit  of  using 
water  which  flows  through  leaden  pipes.  See  Part  I,  Chapters  VI,  VII 
and  VIII,  on  the  treatment  of  those  injured  by  lead  or  paints,  etc. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  consult  "Colic"  in  Part  I,  and  also  "Spasms  of  the 
Stomach,"  in  the  preceding  chapter. 

Chamomilla  is  suitable  for  children,  also  for  grown  per- 
sons when,  besides  the  symptoms  given  under  the  head  of 
"Pain  in  the  Bowels,"  in  Part  I,  blue  circles  appear  around 
the  eyes ;  when  there  is  much  saliva  in  the  mouth,  tear- 
ing pain  around  the  navel,  and  a  feeling  in  the  small  of 
the  back  as  if  it  were  broken;  if  Chamomilla  does  not 
answer,  give  Pulsatilla.  Chamomilla  is  also  suitable  for 
wind  pent  up  in  different  parts  of  the  abdomen,  with  a 
sensation  as  if  it  were  going  to  escape  there;  stitches 
through  the  chest;  distention  under  the  ribs  and  in  the 
pit  of  the  stomach ;  great  agitation,  uneasiness,  and 
clammy  perspiration ;  rattling  and  rumbling  in  th.e  ab- 
domen ;  frequent  inclination  to  stool,  with  small,  slimy, 
watery  evacuations;  after  violent  indignation  ;  if  it  is  not 
sufficient,  give  Colocynth. 

Nux  vomica,  when  there  is  con,stipation  or  difficult  evac- 
uations, a  sensation  as  of  a  weight  in  the  abdomen,  with 
rolling  and  grumbling,  and  great  heat;  the  pains  are 
pinching,  drawing,  compressing,  as  if  the  intestines  were 
pressed  here  and  there  by  stones;  oppression  in  the  pit  of 
the  stomach;  the  abdomen  is  painful  when  touched  and 


AFFFX'TIOXS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  283 

tense ;  the  breath  short  and  difficult — a  general  feeling  of 
fulness,  the  parts  under  the  ribs  feel  as  if  stufifed ;  during 
the  most  violent  paroxysms  of  pain,  the  hands  and  feet 
are  cold ;  sometimes  the  patient  is  deprived  of  conscious- 
ness ;  pain  and  flatulency  deeply  seated  in  the  abdomen ; 
a  strong  pressure  on  the  bladder  and  rectum  as  from  a 
blunt  knife,  as  if  the  wind  must  escape  there ;  the  pain 
makes  the  patient  double  himself  up,  and  is  worse  at  every 
step.  (See  Belladonna.)  Better  when  at  rest,  when  sitting 
and  lying.  Generally  attended  by  violent  headache  and 
pain  in  the  small  of  the  back.  A  number  of  these  symp- 
toms are  attributed  by  ignorant  persons  to  some  obstruc- 
tion, which  they  think  must  be  removed  by  aperient  medi- 
cines.    Refer  also  to  "  Constipation." 

Mercurius,  for  violent,  twisting  colic ;  the  region  around 
the  navel  is  hard ;  jerking  pain  externally  in  the  walls  of 
the  abdomen,  which  is  inflated  and  hard ;  crawling  in  the 
throat,  hiccoughing,  voracious  appetite,  aversion  to  sweets ; 
nausea,  with  water  rising  in  the  throat,  straining  evacua- 
tions, or  tension  and  burning  around  the  navel,  increased 
flow  of  saliva,  eructations,  diarrhoea,  evacuation  of  slime, 
great  debility ;  worst  attacks  of  colic  about  midnight — if 
Mercurius  does  not  quickly  relieve  the  patient,  and  the 
above  symptoms  are  attended  with  itching  of  the  nose, 
give  Cina;  if  this  does  not  aflect  a  complete  cure,  Sulphvr. 

Pulsatilla,  when  there  is  stinging  pain  in  the  bowels, 
M-ith  throbbing  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  a  disagreeable 
tightness  in  the  back  part  of  tlie  abdomen,  as  if  it  were 
too  full ;  growling  and  rumbling ;  the  wind  cannot  be  got 
rid  of;  warmth  and  distension  of  the  abdomen,  which 
makes  the  patient  feel  anxious;  general  heat,  the  veins  on 
the  hands  and  forehead  are  swelled,  the  patient  is  forced 
to  take  off"  his  clothes  on  account  of  the  heat  and  tight- 
ness, the  abdomen  is  painful  when  touched,  as  if  bruised  ; 
all  the  symptoms  are  worse  when  lying  down,  somewhat 
better  when  walking  about ;  when  rising,  the  small  of  the 


284  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

back  aches  as  if  bruised;  also,  with  the  pinching,  cut- 
ting pains,  worse  on  being  touched ;  tearing  and  sliooting 
above  the  navel ;  uneasiness,  heaviness  in  the  belly,  with 
painful  tension,  when  touched  it  aches;  qualmishness; 
white,  frothy  saliva  in  the  mouth;  diarrhoea;  yellow, 
gray  evacuations,  with  violent  pains  in  the  stomach ;  pale 
face,  blue  circles  around  the  eyes  (see  Cliamomilla) ;  con- 
tractions of  the  whole  body  (see  Nux  vomica,  Belladonna, 
Colocynthis,  Pulsatilla);  pressing,  tensive  headache.  When 
caused  by  an  overloaded  stomach,  first  give  cofiee  without 
milk,  and  afterwards,  if  necessary,  Pulsatilla;  if  that  does 
not  cure  the  complaint,  give  Belladonna. 

Aconitum,  in  cases  like  the  last  mentioned,  when  in  ad- 
dition the  bladder  is  afiected,  the  patient  has  violent  pains 
in  the  region  of  the  bladder,  with  spasmodic  pains,  draw- 
ing inwards,  and  a  constant  inclination  to  make  water — 
the  urine,  however,  does  not  pass;  these  symptoms  are 
accompanied  by  nervousness  and  uneasiness,  and  the  ab- 
domen is  excessively  sensitive.  Afterwards,  if  necessary, 
give  Nux  vomica  or  Cepa. 

Colocynthis  is  the  principal  remedy  for  colic.  It  is  to  be 
given  when  the  pains  are  very  violent,  constant,  or  only 
cease  for  a  short  time,  and  then  recommence  with  greater 
violence;  when  the  most  violent  pain  is  confined  to  a  small 
spot  about  the  navel,  and  returns  periodically  every  five  or 
ten  minutes  (see  Belladonna);  or  when  it  commences  on 
the  side  with  a  slight  drawing  pain,  tending  towards  tlie 
centre,  which  increases  gradually,  and  at  last  changes  to 
a  jamming,  pressing,  or  boring  and  tearing  pain,  so  vio- 
lent, that  the  patient  cries  and  shrieks  aloud,  twists  about 
like  a  worm,  is  covered  with  perspiration,  presses  the  ab- 
domen with  his  hands,  pushes  furiously  against  the  bed- 
posts or  corners  of  the  tables,  etc.,  lies  on  his  face  and 
places  pillows  under  himself,  and  tries  every  way  to  get 
some  ease. 

Persons  who  have  previouslj-  suH'ere<_l  from  these  attacks 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  285 

for  several  days,  or  periodically.,  and  have  taken  laudanum, 
which  causes  the  attacks  to  return  the  sooner,  may,  when 
they  feel  the  least  symptoms  of  an  attack,  take  Colocynthis  ; 
it  is  also  most  suitable  wlien  former  attacks  have  weak- 
ened the  intestines,  which  feel  as  if  every  part  were  bruised, 
and  hanging  on  threads,  which  might  break  at  every  step. 
In  all  such  cases  Colocynthis  is  a  certain  remedy  and  its 
use  should  be  persisted  in.  If  the  first  dose  does  not  give 
immediate  relief,  and  if  the  complaint  gets  worse,  give 
coffee  without  milk,  a  teaspoonful  at  a  time,  which  may 
be  repeated  as  long  as  it  alleviates  the  pain ;  if  it  grows 
worse  again,  give  another  dose  of  Colocynthis,  alternating 
it  with  the  coffee,  until  the  pain  ceases.  If,  after  taking 
one  dose  of  Colocynthis,  the  pain  increases  no  longer,  but 
there  is  a  slow  improvement,  dispense  entirely  with  the 
coffee,  and  let  the  medicine  act  as  long  as  there  is  any 
improvement,  or  until  the  disease  is  cured.  The  second 
dose  is  generally  sufficient,  almost  always  the  third;  in 
the  worst  cases,  I  never  found  it  necessary  to  give  more. 
For  any  of  the  remaining  symptoms,  give  Causticum. 

When  the  patient  has  taken  laudanum,  a  drug  most  in- 
jurious in  this  complaint,  although  very  commonly  taken, 
give  coffee  first  and  then  Colocynthis.  If  that  does  not  an- 
swer, try  Staphysagria,  and  then  again  Colocynthis.  There 
are,  however,  some  cases  of  violent  colic  which  Colocynthis 
will  not  cure,  and  in  which  one  of  the  following  remedies, 
particularly  Belladonna,  must  be  given. 

Belladonna,  when,  during  the  pain,  a  thick,  sausage-like 
swelling  protrudes  across  the  abdomen,  and  when  bend- 
ing over,  or  pressing  upon  it  gives  some  relief;  when  the 
pain  is  griping  and  bearing  down,  as  if  the  intestines  were 
about  falling  out ;  the  sj* mptoms  getting  worse  when  the 
patient  is  up  and  walking  about ;  particularly  when  the 
stools  are  thin  and  pus-like.  In  the  latter  case,  Mercurins 
frequently  removes  the  remaining  symptoms.  Belladonna 
suits,  generally,  when  the  face  becomes  very  red,  the  blood 


286  AFFECTION'S   OF   THE   ABDOMEN. 

rushes  into  the  head,  the  veins  are  swelled,  and  the  pains 
so  violent  that  the  patient  is  almost  distracted.  Also,  for 
pains  below  the  navel,  when  there  is  griping,  as  if  pro- 
duced by  taking  hold  of  the  parts  with  the  finger  nails, 
and  when  it  is  accompanied  by  pains  in  the  small  of  the 
back. 

Cocculus  for  pains  similar  to  tho.se  described  under  Nux 
vomica,  particularly  when  there  is  a  contraction  in  the  ab- 
domen with  a  downward  and  outward  pressure,  attended 
with  some  nausea;  or  when  wind  passes  without  relief, 
because  more  is  constantly  accumulating  and  is  lodged  in 
different  places  causing  pain  (see  Chamomilla);  or  there 
is  a  large  accumulation  of  flatus  in  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines, causing  great  distention  of  the  upper  part  of  the  ab- 
domen, and  pain  with  noise  and  pinching  in  the  stomach, 
and  with  anxiety  and  pressure  under  the  ribs,  all  of  which 
symptoms  disappear  as  soon  as  the  wind  passes  upwards. 

Cepa  for  the  most  violent  colic  either  after  catching 
cold,  particularly  from  wet  feet,  or  from  eating  cucum- 
bers, salads,  or  from  eating  too  much ;  commencing  in 
the  region  of  the  liver  and  extending  through  the  whole 
abdomen,  most  painful  about  the  navel;  getting  worse 
when  sitting ;  better  when  walking  about,  particularly  if 
this  causes  the  passing  of  foetid  flatus,  with  much  rum- 
bling ;  worse  after  eating  and  drinking,  particularly  after 
coffee ;  but  for  this  remedy  the  pain  must  always  be  worst 
on  the  left  side  or  there  must  be  a  pressure  in  the  region 
of  the  bladder,  with  much  urging  to  pass  water  and  to  go 
to  stool,  with  emission  of  foetid  flatus. 

Cinchona  is  suitable  for  flatulent  colic,  resembling  that 
described  under  Chamomilla  and  Coccuhis ;  but  when  the 
intestines  are  first  contracted  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
abdomen,  and  press  outward  with  oppressive  and  tensive 
pain,  with  tension  under  the  short  ribs,  and  agitation; 
particularly  in  the  night ;  in  debilitated  persons,  or  after 
profuse  sweats,  or  in  women  who  are  nursing. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  287 

Ignatia  frequently  relieves  colic  which  awakens  the  pa- 
tient out  of  sleep ;  when  there  are  shooting  pains,  which 
extend  into  the  chest  and  sides,  when  the  wind  is  dis- 
charged with  much  difficulty,  after  which  the  pains 
moderate;  it  is  suitable  for  sensitive  females.  When 
the  colic  commences  in  the  evening,  and  the  flatulency 
causes  nausea  and  vomiting,  Pulsatilla  is  better. 

Colic,  preceded  by  a  bitter  taste,  a  yellowish,  coated 
tongue,  much  thirst,  which,  as  the  saying  is,  is  caused  by 
bile,  attended  sometimes  by  vomiting  of  bile,  or  bilious 
evacuations,  may  generally  be  cured  by  Chamomilla ;  or 
in  bad  cases  by  ColocijntJds,  and  when  these  remedies  do 
not  suffice,  by  Sulphur. 


FLATULENCY. 

Flatulency,  or  a  collection  of  wind  in  the  intestines, 
often  causes  colic,  the  remedies  for  wliich  liave  already 
been  mentioned.  If  the  wind  does  not  pass  at  all,  and 
the  abdomen  becomes  swollen  as  if  it  would  burst,  give 
Carbo  vcgetabills.  When  it  does  not  cause  violent  pain, 
but  heat,  uneasiness,  and  inflation  of  the  abdomen,  inter- 
fering with  the  breathing,  which  is  frequently  the  case 
after  taking  flatulent  food,  beer,  etc.,  or  from  drinking 
water  after  eating  fat  meat,  give  Oinchona,  and  afterwards, 
if  required,  to  choleric  persons,  Nux  vomica;  to  quiet,  mild- 
tempered  persons,  Pulsatilla,  if  Cinchona  does, not  give  re- 
lief If  there  is  a  collection  of  wind  which  distends  the 
entire  abdomen,  and  rumbling  pains,  worse  on  the  left 
side,  also  in  the  left  groin,  as  if  a  rupture  were  strangu- 
lated there,  give  Cepa.  If  it  returns  often,  give  Lycopo- 
dium,  and  if  this  is  not  sufficient,  Sulphur;  should  this 
also  fail,  consult  a  homceopathic  practitioner. 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

The  treatment  of  these  diseases  by  domestic  remedies,  and  that  of  the 
old  school  physicians  are  alike  injurious.  It  is  impossible  to  provide  here 
for  all  cases,  but  it  will  always  be  better  to  go  by  the  rules  here  laid  down, 
than  to  resort  to  violent  treatment.  If  a  homoeopathic  practitioner  can  be 
had,  it  is  always  better  to  consult  him. 

An  inflammation  of  this  kind  may  be  supposed  to  exist,  when  a  burn- 
ing, sometimes  a  stinging  or  tearing  pain  is  felt  in  any  part  of  the  abdomen, 
which  is  very  tender  when  pressed  upon,  and  aches  at  every  motion  or 
movement,  such  as  coughing,  sneezing,  laughing,  etc.  The  part  is  some- 
times tense  and  swollen;  when  it  is  near  the  chest,  it  produces  difficulty  of 
breathing,  particularly  of  inspiration ;  it  is  mostly  accompanied  by  vomit- 
ing or  by  eructation,  which  gives  no  relief,  also  by  constipation.  The  lat- 
ter symptom  induces  many  persons  to  take  aperient  medicines,  wliicli,  in 
this  affection,  are  absolute  poisons;  the  former,  to  take  emetics,  which  may 
cause  death.  The  abdomen  should  be  left  perfectly  undisturbed;  the  drink 
should  be  water,  and  from  time  to  time  some  mucilaginous  articles  and 
milk — nothing  else  whatever ;  the  constipation  will  last  until- the  inflam- 
mation is  removed.  When  the  patients  are  recovering,  and  begin  to  eat, 
the  evacuations  will  recommence  of  their  own  accord.  In  the  most  danger- 
ous cases,  where  no  evacuation  of  tlie  bowels  took  place  for  fifteen  day.s,  the 
patients  recovered  nc)twilli.-.t;miIiiiL;-,  and  regained  their  strength  rapidly. 

Besides  the  above  syiiipiMins,  ih.  r.-  are  in  some  cases  the  following;  the 
face  is  pale,  grayish,  siiiil..  ii ;  tin  r.-  i.^  violent  fever,  but  a  weak  pulse,  the 
mind  very  much  dejectuii  aiil  a-itatcii.  When  the  disease  is  at  its  height, 
the  vomiting  and  the  pains  are  lioth  very  violent,  the  patient  is  exceed- 
ingly weak;  the  extremities  colli,  liiccough  sets  in,  and  the  abdomen  is 
greatly  distended,  and  extremely  sensitive. 

When  the  disease  attacks  the  stomach,  the  pain  is  generally  in  the  pit  of 
the  stomach,  extending  under  the  ribs  and  towards  the  back,  or  through 
the  abdomen ;  eating  and  drinking  are  immediately  succeeded  by  vomit- 
ing; with  violent  thirst,  there  is  sometimes  an  aversion  to  water.  When 
the  seat  of  the  disease  is  in  any  otiier  part  of  the  abdomen  the  pain  is 
felt  there  and  the  abdomen  is  hot,  the  vomiting  does  not  take  place  for 
some  time  after  eating  or  drinking;  the  abdomen  is  swollen  and  tender, 
the  patient  complains  of  intense  burning  heat,  in  the  whole  or  some  ]iart 
of  it.     There  is  also  usually  great  thirst,  constipation,  etc. 

Aconitum  will  in  most  cases  be  required  at  the  com- 
mencement. It  may  be  repeated  every  hour,  until  there 
is  some  improvement,  or  until  an  ajTgravation  of  the 
symptoms  renders  the  selection  of  one  of  the  following 
remedies  necessary. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  289 

Ipecacuanha,  wln'ii  the  pains  are  worse  in  the  front  part 
of  the  abdomen,  and  extend  to  the  left  side  under  the  ribs 
whence  they  spread  along  the  ribs  towards  the  back  or 
the  abdomen,  with  swelling  in  the  region  of  the  stomach, 
great  agitation,  and  much  vomiting,  after  which  he  feels 
worse  rather  than  better. 

AnfimoJiium  crudum  will  be  preferable  to  Ipecacuanha  if 
the  tongue  is  covered  M'ith  a  white  or  yellowish  coating. 

Pulsatilla,  or  Nux  vomica,  if  the  disease  Avas  produced  by 
a  disordered  stomach. 

Bryonia,  after  Aconitum  or  Ipecacuanha,  when  the  jiain 
and  fever  are  very  violent,  and  the  complaint  has  been 
caused  by  taking  cold,  particularly  by  drinking  cold 
water  when  the  patient  was  overheated;  when  it  is  no 
longer  eflieacious,  give  Kux  vomica.  When  the  jjatient 
seems  stupefied,  or  speaks  disconnectedly,  or  is  not  aware 
how  ill  he  is,  give  Hyoscyamus ;  if  it  does  not  give  relief, 
give  Belladonna.  If  the  extremities  become  cold,  and  the 
j)atient  is  evidently  sinking,  the  face  becoming  very  pale, 
or  otherwise  much  altered,  give  Veratrum;  if  this  proves 
unavailing,  Arsenicum.  After  Arsoiinnn,  Aconitum  may 
in  many  cases  be  given  and  th(  n  J/M/^/cwm  once  more, 
giving  them  in  this  manner  alUTnatcly.  If  Arsenicum 
makes  the  complaint  worse,  give  JVux  vomica. 

When  the  pain  is  worse  on  the  left  side,  under  the  ribs, 
whence  it  extends  downward,  there  is  generally  in  the  be- 
ginning, vomiting  of  blood.  If  the  fever  is  violent,  give 
Aconite,  but  do  not  wait  until  it  is  much  worse,  give  Cin- 
chona and  whenever  the  pain  increases  give  another  dose 
of  it.     This  will  relieve  in  the  majority  of  cases. 

Arnica  may  be  given  for  the  above  symptoms  if  Aco- 
nitum and  Cinchona  are  insufficient,  and  the  pains  are 
more  of  a  pressing  or  shooting  character,  and  render  the 
breatliing  difficult  and  painful — also  when  the  attacks  re- 
semble more  tho.se  of  typhus  fever — the  patient,  quite  in- 
different, dull  and  stujiid,  is  insensible  to  his  suffering, 
19 


290  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

and  insists  that  there  is  nothing  the  matter  with  him. 
Nuz  vomica  may  be  given  with  advantage  after  the  above 
remedies,  when  the  disease  has  continued  for  some  time, 
without  much  improvement,  and  there  is  a  dull  pressure 
on  the  stomach  with  constipation.  Bryonia,  in  cases  where 
there  are  acute  pains  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  in- 
creased by  the  least  motion ;  and  constipation. 

Arsenicum,  when  there  is  diarrhoea,  with  a  discharge  of 
much  blood,  without  alleviating  the  pains ;  or  when  they 
are  violent  and  burning,  and  the  patient  is  very  weak. 
When  the  disease  assumes  a  periodic  character,  is  worse 
every  other  day,  give  Cinchona. 

When  the  pain  is  more  under  the  ribs,  on  the  right  side, 
toward  the  front,  extending  up  or  down,  give  one  of  the 
following  remedies : 

CJiamoinilla,  if  the  pains  are  dull,  and  not  increased  by 
external  pressure,  nor  by  turning  or  inspiration,  and  when 
there  is  pressure  on  the  stomach,  tension  inider  the  ribs, 
difficulty  of  breathing,  a  yellow  tongue,  bitter  taste,  yel- 
lowish skin  and  paroxysms  of  anxiety  and  agitation ; 
when  these  paroxysms  become  more  frequent,  principally 
during  the  night,  and  are  attended  with  green,  slimy  diar- 
rhoea and  sickness  of  the  stomach,  give  Pulsatilla;  if,  on 
the  contrary,  the  bowels  are  constipated,  the  skin  less  yel- 
low, but  the  chest  more  affected,  give  Bryonia. 

Mercurius  for  pressing  pain,  which  does  not  allow  the 
patient  to  lie  on  the  right  side,  with  bitter  taste  in  the 
mouth,  more  thirst  than  hunger,  constant  chilliness,  very 
yellow  skin  and  eyes;  sometimes  it  may  be  alternated 
with  Belladonna,  or,  in  critical  cases,  ■ndth  Lachesis. 

Belladonna  for  pressing  pains  which  extend  to  the  chest 
and  shoulders ;  when  the  pit  of  the  stomach  is  distended, 
with  tension  above  the  navel  and  across  the  abdomen ; 
difficulty  of  breathing  and  nervousness,  attended  by  de- 
termination of  blood  to  the  head,  with  dimness  before  the 
eyes,  and  giddiness  almost  to  fainting,  frequently  accom- 


AFFECTIONS    OP    THE    ABDOMEN.  291 

panic'l  by  violent  thii'st,  uneasy  tossing  about,  and  sleep- 
lessness. If  no  improvement  fallows  its  use  during  twenty- 
ibur  hours,  give  Lacliesis,  and  rejieat  it  as  often  as  the 
complaint  gets  worse;  when  Lacliesis  ceases  to  act  favor- 
iibly,  give  Bdladonna  again,  or  select  another  remedy. 

Nux  vomica  for  acute  pain,  sometimes  attended  with 
throbbing  and  stitches,  the  part  affected  being  very  sen- 
sitive to  the  touch ;  sour  or  bitter  taste ;  nausea  or  vomit- 
ing; oppression  and  shortness  of  breath,  as  if  the  clothes 
were  too  tight,  while  the  removal  of  them  rather  aggra- 
vates the  sensation  than  otherwise ;  thirst,  red  urine,  op- 
pres.sive  headache. 

Sulphur  may  be  given  after  Nux  vomica,  if  there  should 
be  but  little  or  no  improvement  from  the  latter — and  the 
stinging  pains  continue.  And  also  after  the  other  reme- 
dies recommended  when  they  afford  no  immediate,  or 
only  partial  relief.  If  the  disease  is  worse  every  other 
day,  give  Cinchona,  as  prescribed  for  pains  in  the  left  side. 

When  the  pain  is  more  in  the  abdomen,  in  the  middle 
or  lower  part,  and  is  aggravated  by  motion  or  pressure, 
and  the  most  painful  part  is  distended,  give  Aconitum. 
If  this  gives  no  relief,  and  the  abdomen  continues  to  be 
sensitive  to  the  touch,  give  Lachcsis;  if  this  fails,  give 
Belladonna.  In  some  cases,  Hyoscyamus,  Bryonia,  Nux 
vomica,  Arsenicum,  and  sometimes  Mercurius  may  do  good 
— the  latter  particularly  after  Lachesi,^.  Refer  to  what  has 
been  previously  said  of  these  medicines  in  this  chapter. 

All  aperients  ought  to  be  carefully  avoided  in  this  com- 
plaint, though  it  is  mostly  attended  by  obstinate  constipa- 
tion— the  less  this  is  interfered  with  the  sooner  will  the 
patient  be  restored  to  perfect  health ;  if  he  takes  cathartics 
or  emetics,  he  may  die  in  consequence,  or  they  may  pro- 
duce a  chronic  malady  which  is  difficult  to  cure.  In  this 
complaint  it  is,  therefore,  a  good  sign  when  the  bowels  are 
constipated,  and  a  very  bad  sign  when  the  evacuations 
become  thin,  and  still  worse  when  they  pass  involun- 


292  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

tai'ily.     Even  in  tliis  dangerous  stage  of  the  disease,  Hyos- 
ajamiia  may  sometimes  save  the  j^atient. 

Children  are  frequently  subject  to  attacks  of  this  kind ; 
when  tlie  pit  of  the  stomach  and  the  parts  under  the  ribs 
become  distended  by  pain  in  the  abdomen,  give  Chamo- 
milla  or  Mercwrius.    See  also  "  Diseases  of  Children." 


DETERMINATION  OF  BLOOD  TO  THE  ABDOMEN. 

This  affection  consists  of  a  troublesome  sensation  of 
heat  and  burning  in  the  abdomen,  attended  with  hard- 
ness, tension,  dull  pain,  and  symptoms  as  if  arising  from 
a  surfeit,  without  any  excess  having  been  committed. 
Hypochondriacs,  persons  who  are  of  sedentary  habits,  or 
those  who  have  the  piles,  are  most  liable  to  it.  The  prin- 
cipal remedy  is  Sulphur.  If,  however,  it  is  accompanied 
by  pains  in  the  small  of  the  back,  as  if  it  would  break, 
with  a  feeling  of  great  weakness  in  that  region,  rendering 
it  almost  impossible  to  walk,  Nux  vomica  will  be  prefera- 
ble. If  accompanied  by  diarrhoea  with  small,  soft,  slimy 
or  watery  evacuations.  Capsicum  should  be  given ;  or,  if 
attended  with  diarrhosa  and  great  prostration  of  strength, 
Arscnicam.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  following  reme- 
dies may  be  serviceable:  Belladonna,  Veratrum,  Pulsatilla, 
Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Rhiis.    See  also  "  Piles." 


WORMS. 

Many  complaints  are  a.scribed  to  worms  wliich  arise  from  very  different 
causes.  When  cliildren  liave  been  fed  upon  pap,  cakes,  and  similar  arti- 
cles of  a  hurtful  nature,  or  when  the  mother,  wliilst  nursiiiL:,  cveilouds  Iut 
stomach  with  meat,  fish,  salted  and  fat  things,  particuhirly  wiih  ].i.s.  tin- 
children  must  necessarily  become  sick  in  consequence,  or  n  |,ifiii,-.|.(isiiioii 
to  sickness  be  induced.  If  the  children  are  kept  too  warm,  set  little  out- 
door air,  and,  besides  this,  are  dosed  with  vermifuges,  injections,  purga- 
tives, etc.,  the  worms  cannot  fail  to  prosper  and  increase. 

When  children  are  supposed  to  have  worms,  the  first  thing  to  be  looked 
to  is  a  rational  mode  of  living,  by  which  means  the  worms  will  soon  di- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  293 

minish,  and  if  symptoms  of  the  complaint  remain,  the  remedies  will  after- 
wards prove  the  more  effective.  Most  persons  are  by  far  too  much  afraid 
of  tliese  little  creatures,  which  are  not  nearly  so  noxious  as  the  remedie.s 
usually  prescribed  for  them,  and  particularly  as  the  nostrums  advertised  in 
tlie  newspapers.  Simple  persons  believe  in  these  things,  and  pay  for  the 
trash,  when,  if  they  knew  what  they  or  their  chiklren  were  swallowing, 
tlicy  would  rather  pay  twice  as  much  to  keep  it  out  of  the  house,  to  say 
notliing  of  their  bodies. 

It  is  true,  these  things  sometimes  kill  the  worms,  but  too  frequently  they 
kill  the  children  also,  or  affect  the  abdomen  in  such  a  manner  that  the  con- 
seiiuences  appear  many  years  after.  First,  it  is  to  be  considered  that  almost 
all  children  have  worms,  sometimes  before  they  are  born,  and  that  it  is  fre- 
quently a  sign  of  a  dangerous  disease  when  these  worms  pass  off  spontane- 
ously; secondly,  that  what  these  worms  subsist  upon  in  the  body  is  more 
luirtful  than  the  worms  themselves.  Almost  all  the  symptoms  attributed 
to  worms  may  arise  from  some  general  disease  in  the  system,  which  has  a 
tendency  to  increase  them,  especially  if  aided  by  an  unwise  mode  of  living. 
Wlien  the  worms  have  become  very  numerous  they  give  rise  to  various 
complaints,  which,  joined  to  the  symptoms  of  the  original  malady,  some- 
times become  dangerous.  When  the  worms  are  expelled,  the  symptoms 
which  they  gave  rise  to,  of  course  disappear,  but  the  real  disease  may  in- 
crease. 

Sometimes  diseases  subsequently  make  their  appearance  which  are  worse 
than  the  first,  although  slower  in  their  operation,  and  perhaps  not  mani- 
festing themselves  until  the  tenth  or  twelfth  year.  Expelling  the  worms 
is  of  no  essential  use.  The  remedies  here  prescribed  will  frequently  cure 
the  disease  itself,  and  if  there  are  really  too  many  worms,  which  is  but 
rarely  the  case,  will  remove  them  also.  Children  who  have  worms  should 
have  enough  to  eat,  but  not  too  much  bread,  very  little  salt,  and  few  or  no 
cakes  or  pies,  but  in  preference  a  good  deal  of  rijje,  cooked  or  dried  fruits, 
and  in  particular,  carrots. 

When  you  are  not  certain  of  the  existence  of  worms, 
and  the  child  becomes  emaciated,  and  vomits  frequently, 
give  first  Ipecacuanha;  but  when  the  tongue  is  coated, 
Carho  vegctahilis;  if  this  has  no  effect,  Pulsatilla;  if  the 
cliild  has  been  much  troubled  with  diarrhoea,  or  lias 
taken  much  aperient  medicine,  give  Cinchona ;  when  the 
bowels  are  constipated,. iVux  vomica. 

"When  the  child  passes  worms  occasionally,  picks  its 
nose  much,  and  the  belly  is  distended,  give  Cina,  which 
is  one  of  the  chief  remedies  for  all  complaints  really  aris- 
ing from  worms. 


294  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

For  colic,  caused  by  worms,  with  frequent  inclination  to 
vomit,  when  much  water  collects  in  the  mouth,  and  the 
parts  around  the  navel  are  hard,  also  when  the  whole  ab- 
domen is  hard  and  distended,  with  frequent  iuelfectual 
straining  to  evacuate,  or  secretion  of  nothing  but  slime, 
give  first  Aconitum,  some  hours  later,  Oina;  and  if  this  is 
not  sufficient,  Mercurius.  In  all  complaints  caused  by 
worms,  Aconitum  is  of  great  use  in  the  beginning,  and  if 
this  and  the  other  remedies  mentioned  above  do  not  re- 
move them,  Sulphur  should  be  given,  and  will  be  found 
to  be  of  great  value,  particularly  after  Mercurius.  These 
remedies  will  generally  effect  a  cure.  In  rare  cases,  at- 
tended with  much  thirst,  sudden  starting  and  fright.  Bel- 
ladonna may  be  required.  In  very  bad  cases  it  maj'  also 
be  necessary  to  give  Lachesis. 

Persons  troubled  with  tape  worm,  discharge  joints  of  this 
worm  from  time  to  time :  these  pieces  are  nearly  square, 
quite  flat,  about  as  broad  as  the  little  finger.  There  is  no 
sure  sign  of  the  existence  of  tape  worms,  except  the  dis- 
charge of  j)ieces  of  this  description,  which  generally  pass 
atray  about  the  new  and  full  moon. 

Tape  worms  may  frequently  be  destroyed  by  taking, 
when  the  moon  is  waning,  two  mornings  successivelj',  a 
dose  of  Sulphur,  and  at  the  next  full  moon,  Mercurius,  in 
the  same  way,  and  eight  days  after,  Sulphur  again  twice ; 
repeat  these  remedies  in  the  same  order  several  times. 
Sometiuies  the  tape  worm  is  discharged  after  taking  a  few 
doses  of  Calcarea.  If  this  treatment  docs  not  effect  a  cure, 
apply  to  a  homoeopathic  physician. 

For  ascarides,  the  small  worms  which  are  found  in  the 
anus,  see  "Itching  of  the  Anus." 

ITCHING  OF  THE  ANUS. 

This  troublesome  affection  may  generally  be  cured  by 
one  or  more  of  the  following  remedies : 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  295 

Nux  vomica  will  be  applicable  when  the  itching  is  seated . 
either  internally  or  externally,  is  worse  when  sitting  or 
moving,  and  also  after  taking  stimulating  food  and  drinks, 
and  is  accompanied  M'ith  pains,  or  dry  piles,  or  moist  and 
bleeding  piles,  or  costivenoss ;  also  when  caused  by  strong 
liquoi-s,  beer  or  coffee ;  or  in  people  who  lead  a  sedentary 
life;  in  pregnant  females;  when  caused  by  little  worms, 
which  may  upon  looking  be  discovered  moving  about 
within  the  sphincter 

AconUum,  if  the  itching  arises  from  small  worms,  and 
Niix  vomica  is  inefficient,  and  children  are  very  uneasy 
during  the  night,  and  have  fever.  It  should  be  given  in 
the  evening,  or  during  the  night,  and,  if  ineffectual,  fol- 
lowed by  Ignatia  in  the  morning.  If  the  children  are 
again  troubled  in  this  way,  particularly  after  every  full 
and  new  moon,  give,  when  the  moon  is  full,  Sulphur,  and 
Silicea  when  it  is  new.  If  the  complaint  should  return  at 
the  next  full  moon,  give  Calcarea.  Let  the  children  eat 
no  pork,  very  little  salt,  and  as  little  pastry  and  few  cakes 
as  possible.  If  there  should  be  no  relief,  notwithstanding 
the  use  of  the  above  medicines,  give  Fnrum ;  if  diarrhoea 
makes  its  appearance,  dispense  with  the  medicine,  and  if 
the  diarrhoea  still  continues,  give  Cinchona. 

While  children  are  taking  the  above  remedies  {Sulphur, 
Calcarea,  Silicea  and  Ferrum),  nothing  else  is  to  be  given, 
unless  it  be  a  dose  or  two  of  Aconitutn,  to  remove  any 
febrile  symptoms  that  may  arise. 

The  itching  may  be  allayed  by  rubbing  the  parts  with  sweet  oil,  (ir  in- 
jecting it,  or  by  intnxlucing.  a  piece  of  bacon,  about  the  size  of  a  finger, 
attached  to  a  string,  into  the  anus;  allowing  it  to  remain  there  for  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes,  and  then  removing  it. 

Injections  of  cold  water  every  evening  are  also  serviceable  in  many  cases. 
Applications  of  this  kind  do  not  disturb  the  operation  of  the  remedies. 
Wlien,  however,  all  these  means  prove  abortive,  which  may  be  the  case 
with  some  children,  in  whom  it  is  hereditary,  try  small  injections  of  weak 
salt  water,  and  if  these  fail,  or  cause  diarrhfca,  weak  injections  of  water 
and  vinegar.  Lemon  juice  has  often  proved  efficacious  in  allaying  the 
itching,  by  applying  it  once  or  twice  a  day. 


296  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

When  the  itching  is  caused  by  piles,  swollen,  red  or 
bluish  tumors  at  the  anus,  give  the  following  remedies: 

Nux  vomica,  if,  besides  the  itching,  there  is  a  burning 
and  pricking  sensation,  the  anus  so  contracted  that  the 
natural  evacuations  are  effected  with  much  difficulty, 
accompanied  by  dull  shooting  pains  and  jerking  in  the 
small  of  the  back  and  around  the  anus,  when  moving; 
pain  in  the  small  of  the  back  as  from  a  bruise,  which 
makes  the  patient  cry  out,  and  bend  forward  when  walk- 
ing or  sitting.  Sometimes  Ignatia  will  be  better,  accord- 
ing to  the  temperament  of  the  patient.  Compare  "  Head- 
ache," etc. 

Sulphur  when,  in  addition  to  the  itching,  there  is  burn- 
ing, pain  and  soreness  in  and  around  the  anus,  with 
stitches;  the  tumors  are  moist;  with  a  sensation  of  ful- 
ness and  heaviness,  and  sometimes  protrusion  (prolapsus) 
of  the  anus ;  constant  straining  to  evacuate,  or  thin  diar- 
rhoea mixed  with  blood,  with  violent  stinging  pains  in 
the  small  of  the  back ;  stiffness  in  the  small  of  the  back, 
or  feeling  of  contraction.  Should  it  grow  worse  after  Sul- 
phur, give  Aconitum,  and  should  that  also  fail,  let  the  pa- 
tient smell  camphor. 

Apis  for  the  worst  kind  of  itching  of  the  piles,  for  pierc- 
ing, burning  and  soreness. 


'  PROLAPSUS  ANI.  PROLAPSUS  OF  THE  RECTUM. 

This  is  a  protrucling  or  turning  inside  out  of  the  large  intestine;  it  oc- 
curs either  every  time  the  bowels  are  moved,  or  only  when  that  is  preceded 
or  accompanied  by  much  straining,  or  it  takes  place  in  sitting  or  walking. 
The  intestine  returns  to  its  natural  place  when  quietly  Ij-ing  down  or  it  can 
be  returned  by  the  hand.  To  return  the  prolapsus,  place  the  patient  on 
his  knees,  separate  the  parts  and  put  wet  rags  on  the  protruding  intestine. 
If  cold  water  pains,  use  warm  water.  If  it  does  not  now  return  by  itself, 
take  a  very  soft  sponge,  wrap  it  in  a  soft  cloth,  wet  it,  and  press  it  on  the 
protruding  part  slowly  and  steadily.  Be  in  no  hurry  and  be  sure  to  make 
the  pressure  in  the  right  direction.  A  very  slow  movement  takes  place  in 
the  intestine,  alternately  from  above  down  and  from  downwards  up,  and 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  297 

only  during  the  latter  motion  will  it  return.  If  it  luis  not  returned  after 
about  ten  minutes  and  is  cool  and  flabby,  try  tn  Jln^h  it  back  witli  your 
tingere,  which  must  be  previously  oiled  or  greased,  and  have  no  long  or 
sharp  nails.  If  it  becomes  red,  swollen  and  inllamed  do  not  try  to  return 
it,  but  put  upon  it  cloths  dipped  in  cold  water  and  give  the  following  medi- 
cines: to  children,  particularly  when  cutting  teeth,  wlio  cry  much  and 
strain  hard:  Ignatia  or  Nux  vomica  according  to  their  dispositions.  If  tlie 
intestine  is  much  swollen,  or  is  bluish-red,  or  bleeds  and  pains  much  when 
at  stool,  Mercuriiis,  the  next  day  lynatia;  if  the  trouble  remains  after 
dysentery,  Rata;  if  it  protrudes  when  walking  and  looks  bluish-red.  Arnica ; 
for  whitish-red  swelling  around  the  anus  with  much  itching,  Apis.  In 
chronic  cases  in  children,  Calcarea  is  preferable.  For  grown  persons  if 
worse  when  walking,  Sepia. 


HEMORRHOIDS,  OR  PILES. 

This  is  a  disease  which  consists  principally  in  the  discharge  of  small 
quantities  of  blood  at  the  anus  every  four  or  six  weeks,  preceded  by  more 
or  less  indisposition,  and  followed  by  a  feeling  of  great  relief.  Very  often 
other  and  more  dangerous  diseases  are  prevented  by  this  complaint. 

Frequently  the  symptoms  which  precede  the  discharge,  are  very  trouble- 
some. .Sometimes  the  discharge  ceases  in  part  or  entirely,  at  others  again 
so  much  blood  is  discharged  that  it  becomes  alarming ;  tumors  are  fre- 
quently formed  in  the  anus,  which  become  very  painful,  particularly  when 
no  blood  is  discharged. 

Not  unfrequently  after  a  sudden  suppression  of  piles  a  disease  of  a  more 
dangerous  character  appears  in  their  stead.  For  all  these  symptoms, 
medicines  should  be  taken,  and  the  manner  of  living  be  such  as  to  prevent 
the  disease  from  assiuning  a  more  serious  character.  The  patient  should 
not  sit  much,  particularly  not  on  very  soft  cushions,  except  during  the 
time  the  tumors  protrude.  He  must  avoid  all  ardent  spirits,  strong  beer 
and  coflee;  drink  water  fieely,  eat  little  meat  and  take  plenty  of  exercise. 

The  doctors  of  the  old  scliool  rely  almost  entirely  on  operative  means 
for  the  treatment  of  this  aflection. 

Homceojjathic  practitioners,  however,  possess  medicines  by  whicli  they 
cure  these  tumors  without  operating  at  all;  but  the  more  frequently  the 
jiatient  has  been  operated  on,  the  more  difficult  it  is  to  cure  him,  as  the 
disease  has  tliereby  become  much  more  obstinate. 

Washing  the  parts  with  cold  water,  and  injections  of  half  a  pint  of  colil 
water,  once  or  twice  a  day,  are  beneficial  when  the  piles  do  not  bleed ; 
when  they  bleed,  these  means  should  not  be  resorted  to,  as  they  may  sup- 
press the  discharge.  When  they  bleed  too  copiously,  the  water  may, 
pcrliaps,  be  applied,  without,  however,  neglectkig  to  take  the  medicines 
recommended. 


298 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 


Great  care  must  be  taken  also  in  giving  the  injections;  the  water  must 
not  be  too  cold,  the  point  of  the  syringe  should  be  of  wood,  ivory,  bone  or 
vulcanized  India  rubber,  not  too  thin,  and  widening  towards  the  end,  which 
ought  to  be  nearly  as  thick  as  the  point  of  the  little  linger ;  before  intro- 
ducing it,  it  should  be  first  covered  with  fresh  sweet  oil,  or  with  beef  or 
mutton  suet;  introduce  the  pipe  by  slowly  and  gently  turning  it. 
The  cut  represents  the  nozzle  in  natural  size. 
a.  The  ojjening;  it  must  be  perfectly  smooth,  b.  Screw  to 
fit  into  a  flexible  tube.  d.  Part  around  which  the  anus  closes. 
Between  the  nozzle  and  the  liody  of  the  syringe  there  should 
be  a  flexible  piece.  It  is  much  better  to  use  instead  of  the 
ordinary  syringes,  which  have  done  a  great  deal  of  injury,  a 
bulb  syringe  of  soft  rubber,  or  a  fountain  syringe. 

When  tlie  tumors  at  the  anus  are  too  painful  to  allow  of 
injections,  apply  a  sponge  which  has  been  dipped  in  cold 
water.  Moistening  the  tumors  with  saliva  is  very  usefid,  but 
J  this  must  not  be  done  immediately  after  meals,  nor  after 
smoking  tobacco;  persons  who  chew  tobacco,  or  who  have 
ulcers  in  the  mouth  should  not  try  it.  When  the  tumors  do 
not  bleed  at  all,  and  are  very  painful,  and  when  they  get 
worse  again  in  a  short  time  after  applying  cold  water,  put 
some  boiling  water,  or  water  in  which  wheat  bran  is  boiled, 
into  a  close  stool-pan,  and  sit  over  the  steam.  Sometimes 
mucilaginous  substances  are  useful,  particularly  an  emulsion 
J_-i;T^         of  quinces,  made  of  quince-seed  soaked  in  water. 

jj  The  following  medicines  are,  however,  chiefly  to  be  de- 

pended upon.  When  there  is  intense  itching  in  the  anus,  see 
under  "Itching  in  the  Anus."  If  the  piles  are  accompanied  by  colicky 
pains,  give  the  remedies  recommended  for  "Colic,"  the  principal  among 
which  are :  PuUsalilla,  Nux  vomica  and  Cotocynthis.  Pulsatilla  mostly  for 
females ;  ^Vitj;  vomica  more  frequently  for  persons  who  drink  ardent  spirits 
and  are  of  sedentary  habits;  Colocynthis,  when  the  pain  is  very  severe. 
Refer  also  to  "  Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Abdomen." 


Aconitum  frequently  gives  relief  when  blood  is  dis- 
charged, and  there  are  shooting  pains  and  pressure  on 
the  anus,  the  abdomen  feels  too  full,  with  tension,  press- 
ure and  griping ;  the  small  of  the  back  feels  as  if  broken 
or  bruised. 

Nux  vomica  when  there  is  a  burning,  ])ricking  pain  in 
the  tumors,  the  symptoms  resembling  those  mentioned 
under  "Itching  of  the  Anus;"  when  there  is  much  light 
colored  blood  discharged  after  each  evacuation,  or  when 


AFFECTIONS    OP    THE    ABDOMEN.  299 

there  is  a  constant  disposition  to  evacuate;  also  in  consti- 
pation, and  during  pregnancy ;  particularly  for  irritable, 
passionate  persons  who  feel  worst  in  the  morning.  To 
persons  of  a  sullen,  quick  disposition,  give  Igiiatia,  and 
afterwards,  if  the  complaint  returns  again,  Sulphur. 

Apis  for  small,  very  painful,  stinging,  biting,  or  itching 
tumors,  or  larger  ones  with  burning  and  soreness;  or 
swelling  of  the  whole  anus  with  beating,  heat  and  fulness 
there ;  particularly  if  a  dark  bloody  fluid  exudes ;  suita- 
ble for  irritable,  restless  persons  who  are  easily  excited, 
dejected  and  anxious,  or  disagreeable,  easily  offended, 
passionate  and  easily  vexed. 

Pulsatilla  when  blood  and  mucus  are  discharged  with 
the  faeces,  with  painful  pressure  on  the  tumors ;  pains  in 
the  back,  pale  countenance,  disposition  to  faint.  If  it  is 
insufficient,  Mcrcurius,  and  afterwards  Sulphur,  may  help 
in  these  cases.  Still  oftener  when  there  is  much  urging, 
straining.  Sepia. 

Capsicum  answers  best  when  the  tumors  are  much  swol- 
len, the  blood  discharged  with  burning  pains,  and  mixed 
with  slime ;  also  when  there  is  a  drawing  jjain  in  the 
back,  particularly  in  the  small  of  the  back,  and  cutting 
pains  in  the  bowels. 

Ignatia  for  violent  stitches  which  penetrate  deeply, 
with  itching  and  crawling  in  the  anus,  when  much  blood 
is  discharged,  or  the  rectum  protrudes  considerably  at 
each  evacuation;  or  when  after  an  evacuation  there  is 
painful  soreness  and  contraction,  particularly  when  ac- 
companied by  ineffectual  straining  to  evacuate,  or  a  dis- 
charge of  bloody  mucus. 

Chamomilla  is  most  appropriate  when  the  blood  flows 
freely,  with  contracting  pains  in  the  abdomen,  frequent 
straining  to  evacuate;  occasional  diarrhoea,  particularly 
when  attended  with  smarting  and  burning,  with  tearing 
pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  especially  at  night. 

Antimonium  crudum  is  frequently  of  service  when  mu- 


300  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

cus  is  discharged  from  the  anus,  which  stains  the  Unen ; 
when  with  the  discharge  of  mucus  there  is  burning  pain, 
Carbo  vegetabilis  is  still  better,  particularly  when  accom- 
panied by  bleeding  of  the  nose,  and  great  determination 
of  blood  towards  the  head. 

Carbo  vegetabilis  when  much  mucus  is  discharged,  or 
mucus  and  blood,  with  much  burning  in  the  anus;  evei'y- 
thing  sours  on  the  stomach ;  the  patient  is  much  troubled 
with  wind,  which  is  lodged  in  different  parts  of  the  belly, 
or  becomes  very  weak ;  if  it  proves  insufficient,  it  should 
be  followed  by  Arsenicum. 

Sulphur  is  one  of  the  principal  remedies  as  well  for 
bleeding  as  for  blind  piles;  .it  is  particularly  suitable 
when  there  is  constant  ineffectual  inclination  to  stool,  or 
thin  evacuations  mixed  with  blood;  when  there  is  an 
acute,  sore  pain  in  the  anus,  internally  and  externally; 
when  the  tumors  burn,  are  moist,  protrude  considerably, 
and  can  scarcely  be  replaced ;  with  violent  shooting  pains 
in  the  back,  and  in  the  small  of  the  back ;  stiffness  in  the 
small  of  the  back,  with  a  feeling  of  contraction ;  also,  with 
smarting  pain  on  passing  water. 

Lycopodium  very  often  when  Sulphur  is  insufficient; 
when  the  piles  always  return  after  constipation ;  the  pa- 
tient is  much  troubled  by  wind  and  has  much  pain  under 
the  short  ribs. 

Belladonna  for  bleeding  piles,  with  intense  pain  in  the 
small  of  the  back,  as  if  it  were  breaking ;  if  it  proves  in- 
sufficient, give  Ilepar,  and  if  this  does  not  effect  a  com- 
plete cure,  four  or  five  days  later,  Rhus. 

When  the  discharge  is  excessive,  the  blood  is  bright 
red  and  the  patient  is  much  debilitated  by  it,  if  Aconite 
or  Ipecacuanha  do  not  relieve  soon  enough,  take  Calcarea; 
if  even  this  is  insufficient,  Belladonna.  When  after  any 
one  of  these  medicines  the  discharge  abates  somewhat, 
take  nothing  more  unless  it  grows  worse ;  then  take  the 
same  medicine  again,  and  when  this  loses  its  effect,  take 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   ABDOMEN.  301 

anotluT.     If  tlie  patient  is  very  weak,  let  liim  take  Cin- 
diuna  in  the  interval. 

The  above  remedies  are  only  for  cases  of  exigency, 
though  sometimes  they  will  radically  cure  this  tedious 
complaint ;  if  they  do  not,  apply  to  a  homoeopathic  prac- 
titioner, or  send  him  an  exact  description  of  all  the  symp- 
toms present. 


DIARRHCEA. 

This  complaint  frequently  arise.s  from  causes  jjointed  out  in  tlic  first  part 
of  this  work — for  instance,  from  sudden  friahL  from  fear,  from  vexation,  from 
taking  cold,  from  heat,  from  a  disordered  stomach,  or  after  burns  or  scalds. 

Most  persons  are  to  this  day  impressed  with  the  erroneous  idea  that  diar- 
rhoea is  a  cleansing  process,  necessary  for  the  recovery  of  the  patient.  It 
is  true,  that  some  diseases  terminate  in  a  diarrhoea,  but  it  is  also  true  that 
diarrhisa.  is  tlie  commencement  of  other  diseases,  and  must  al)^gi;^§J)e  con- 
sidered ajagrhid  state  of  the  functions. 

The  deceptive  sensation  of  relief  and  weakness  after  purging  or  artificial 
diarrhoea,  is,  by  many  persons,  looked  upon  as  healthy  and  necessary, 
merely  because  they  have  previously  been  in  a  different  and  opposite  state 
of  disease.  Thus  many  consider  the  excitement  consequent  upon  drinking 
brandy  or  strong  beer  as  Iiealthy,  because  they  feel  uncomfortable  without 
it,  whereas  they  are,  in  reality,  in  a  more  unhealthy  condition,  whilst  they 
imagine  themselves  better. 

Persons  who  think  that  they  cannot  remain  in  good  health  without  ape- 
rient medicines  or  artificial  diarrhoea,  should,  when  they  feel  constipated, 
try  first  the  medicines  pointed  out  under  constipation,  and  tliey  will  find 
that  the  latter  frequently  cure  without  causing  any  diarrhoea.  Those  who 
have  a  natural  or  artificial  diarrhoea,  however,  should  not  stop  it  by  artifi- 
cial means,  such  as  wine,  brandy,  and  the  like,  but  should  let  it  take  its 
course,  and  use  those  medicines  which  will  eflfect  a  cure  in  a  natural  man- 
ner. Astringents  are  not  always  dangerous,  but  are  very  frequently  so, 
particularly  to  children  and  aged  persons,  or  to  individuals  who  are  suffer- 
ing from  another  complaint. 

When  the  consequences  of  suppressed  diarrhoea  make  their  appearance, 
they  are  called  dyspepsia,  liver  complaint,  etc.,  and  the  worst  of  it  is,  that 
they  cannot  be  so  easily  removed.  To  believe,  however,  that  suppressing 
the  diarrhoea  is  only  dangerous  because  it  prevents  impurities  from  escap- 
ing, is  also  a  mistaken  idea.  Suppressing  a  diarrlioea  is  dangerous,  because 
it  is  changing  one  disease  into  another — and  because  we  cannot  know  what 
that  second  disease  will  be;  generally,  it  is  a  worse  one.   Most  of  these  im- 


302  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   ABDOMEN. 

purities  exist  only  in  the  imagination;  as  to  the  artificial  production  of 
such  impurities,  refer  to  what  is  said  under  " Constipation."  If,  however, 
there  are  real  impurities  in  the  body,  they  will  be  discharged  much  sooner 
with  the  natural  exertions  than  during  a  diarrhoea,  which,  in  fact,  always 
leaves  impurities  behind,  and  which  the  natural  exertions  afterwards  have 
to  carry  off.  When  the  evacuation  is  hard,  nothing  can  remain  in  the  in- 
testines ;  a  fact  so  evident  that  every  one  can  understand  it.  The  intestines 
are  a  tube,  which  is  first  narrow  and  widens  gradually.  It  is  not  like  the 
hose  of  a  fire  engine,  where  it  is  necessary  to  apply  pressure  at  one  end  in 
order  to  force  out  the  contents  at  the  other ;  it  is  not  a  dead  tube  but  a  liv- 
ing one,  which  is  in  constant  activity ;  this  activity,  when  regular,  allows 
nothing  to  remain  in  it — only  when  it  is  irregular,  or  when  it  ceases,  can 
this  be  the  case.  In  diarrhoea,  particularly  when  produced  by  aperient 
medicines,  this  action  is  very  irregular  and  hurried,  in  the  attempt  to  rid 
the  body  of  the  poisonous  purgatives— which,  when  accomplished,  leaves 
the  intestines,  of  course,  very  weak  and  relaxed.  If  the  purgative  was  no 
poison,  it  would  not  purge  at  all,  for  only  those  things  will  purge,  which 
the  body  cannot  bear  and  therefore  ejects.  The  poisonous  eflects  of  these 
medicines  become  most  evident  when  they  remain  in  the  body;  for  when 
the  body  has  not  the  power  to  reject  them,  they  show  their  whole  force  as  a 
poison.  You  will  be  told  that  it  is  the  disease  which  produces  these  symp- 
toms, but  do  not  believe  it — it  is  false.  More  persons  die  of  drastic  purga- 
tives, and  more  children  of  rhubarb  than  of  arsenic,  of  which  every  one  is 
afraid.  With  costive  evacuations  the  action  of  the  intestines  is  greater,  or 
the  excrements  could  not  be  ejected — and,  consequently  nothing  can  remain 
behind — for  the  hard  excrements  always  fill  the  intestines  completely — 
which  is  never  the  case  in  diarrhcea.  When  the  action  of  the  intestines 
stops,  it  is  true,  the  contents  remain  stationary;  but  it  can  easily  be  excited 
again,  as  has  been  shown  under  "  Constipation." 

When  loose  evacuations  relieve  a  patient  who  is  suffering  from  some 
complaint  or  other,  wait  awhile  before  you  give  medicine — and,  only  in  case 
it  continues,  or  is  accompanied  by  other  symptoms,  make  a  selection  from 
among  the  following  remedies. 

If  children,  while  teething,  have  diarrhcea,  do  not  interfere  with  it  im- 
mediately, but  wait  a  day  or  two  if  tliey  have  no  other  symptoms  requiring 
treatment.  At  the  commencement  of  a  diarrhoea,  all  acids,  coffee,  tea,  and 
everything  salt  should  be  avoided;  fruit,  fresh  or  dried,  eggs,  chickens  and 
other  poultry,  particularly  also  veal,  are  injurious;  nothing  but  mucilagi- 
nous food  is  to  be  taken— arrow-root,  rice,  sago,  etc.  If  the  appetite  is 
good,  the  patient  may  take  mutton-broth,  thickened  with  wheaten  or  rice 
flour,  or  sago;  milk,  fresh  from  the  cow,  may  in  some  cases  make  the  diar- 
rhcea worse,  it  is  better  to  have  it  boiled  and  taken  warm,  but  it  must  not 
be  boiled  too  long,  which  will  make  it  hard  to  digest. 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE   ABDOMEN.  303 

Ipecacuanha  is  indicated  in  diarrhoea,  attended,  in 
children,  by  screaming,  tossing,  uneasiness,  and  disten- 
sion of  the  abdomen;  frequent  small  yellow  stools,  with 
pains  in  the  rectum — or  thin,  mucous,  frothy  evacuations 
like  yeast,  of  a  A'ery  offensive  smell,  or  first  watery  then 
slimy  and  yellow,  or  green  preceded  by  rumbling  and 
cutting  pain ;  sometimes  ineffectual  straining ;  accom- 
jianied  by  weakness,  an  inclination  to  lie  down,  drowsi- 
ness,' a  pale  face,  blue  rings  around  the  eyes,  coldness  and 
irritability,  easily  vexed  and  enraged.  When  Ipecacuanha 
does  not  answer,  or  affords  only  partial  relief,  give  Eheum ; 
when  the  secretions  smell  sour,  it  is  better  to  give  the  lat- 
ter medicine  at  fir.st. 

Chamomilla,  particularly  for  children  when  thej^  cry 
and  are  uneasy, Want  to  be  carried  constantly;  or  for 
older  children,  when  they  are  irritable,  cry  as  if  crazed, 
and  twist  and  writhe ;  when  infants  draw  up  their  legs ; 
when  the  belly  is  tight  and  hard — the  evacuations  very 
frequent  and  mostly  slimy  or  watery,  or  green  and  brown, 
or  of  undigested  matter  which  smells  like  rotten  eggs; 
accompanied  by  rumbling  in  the  bowels,  loss  of  appetite, 
thirst,  coated  tongue,  frequent  eructations  and  retching. 
Chamomilla  is  appropriate  also  for  grown  persons,  partic- 
ularly when  the  evacuations  are  green,  watery,  hot  and 
offensive,  with  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  bitter  eructa- 
tions, bilious  vomhing,  fulness  of  the  pit  of  the  stomach, 
griping  and  headache.  The  more  bile  is  got  rid  of  either 
by  vomiting  or  diarrhoea  the  better. 

Pulsatilla  for  pap-like  or  watery  and  offensive  diarrhoea, 
with  burning  pain  and  soreness  of  the  anus:  accompanied 
by  loathing,  nausea,  disagreeable  eructations  and  griping. 
All  other  symptoms  worse  in  the  evening  but  the  diarrhoea 
worse  in  the  morning ;  accont^anied  by  painful  urging  to 
urinate,  particularly  if  the  patients  are  very  sleepy  and 
chilly,  or  if  it  was  brought  on  by  rich  food.  For  gentle, 
patient  persons,  particularly  women   or   children,  when 


304  AFFECTIONS   OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

with  the  former  the  menstruation  is  easily  suppressed  by 
it.  For  pap-like  diarrhuia,  only  occurring  after  midnight, 
preceded  by  pain  in  the  bowels,  which  ceases  after  an  evac- 
uation, give  Rhus.  Pulsatilla  is  also  useful  in  slimy  diar- 
rhoea, when  each  stool  is  of  a  different  color.  If  the  diar- 
rhoea occasions  great  weakness,  give  Coloajnthls,  and  if 
this  causes  disagreeable  symptoms,  give  a  little  coffee 
without  milk.  If  the  slime  is  green,  or  mixed  with  blood, 
attended  with  straining,  give  Mercurius. 

Mercurius  for  diarrhoea  attended  by  fits  of  screaming 
and  by  writhing,  with  ineffectual  urging  and  pressing; 
cold  perspiration  and  trembling;  the  discharge  green, 
watery  and  mucous,  sometimes  bilious,  or  mixed  with 
blood,  accompanied  by  great  exhaustion,  fetid,  nauseat- 
ing breath,  loss  of  appetite,  and  a  disposition  to  vomit,  or 
vomiting  and  diarrhoea  at  the  same  time ;  also  for  acrid 
diarrhoea  with  burning  and  itching  in  the  anus. 

Sulphur  for  green,  slimy  diarrhoea  which  is  so  acrid  as 
to  occasion  soreness  of  the  parts  around  the  anus,  or  to 
produce  miliary  eruptions;  frequently  accompanied  by 
emaciation,  or,  in  children,  by  a  hard,  distended  abdo- 
men; when  every  fresh  exposure  renews  the  diarrhoea. 
Also  if  the  diarrhoea  begins  after  midnight  accompanied 
by  cramps  in  the  calves  of  the  legs.  It  will  be  serviceable 
after  the  failure  of  other  remedies. 

Antimonium  crudum  for  watery  diarrhoea  with  disor- 
dered stomach,  and  whitish,  thickly  coated  tongue. 
When  there  is,  besides  soreness  of  the  anus,  spasmodic 
pains  in  the  anus  and  back ;  food  of  every  kind  causes 
jn-essure  in  the  stomach  ;  dulness  of  the  eyes ;  sallow  and 
pale  face,  give  Ferrum,  which  may  also  be  given  in  diar- 
rhoeas without  pain.  For  watery  diarrhoea  which  has 
continued  for  a  long  time,  other  remedies  having  proved 
ineffectual,  give  Phosphoric  acid. 

Veratrum  for  watery  diarrhoea,  l)ellynche  with  an  anx- 
ious feeling  in  the  region  of  the  stomach  ;  pain  about  the 


AFFECTIONS   OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  305 

navel  with  anxiety;  soinetiiiies  sour  vomiting,  much  thirst 
for  very  cold  water  or  something  sour ;  or  chilliness  and 
drawing  pains  in  the  calves  of  the  le^s. 

Rheum  for  sour,  thin,  slimy,  fermented  diarrhoea  (com- 
pare with  Ipecacuanha),  common  with  children,  who  cry 
from  pain  in  the  bowels,  or  are  uneasy  and  draw  up  the 
legs,  and  if  you  see  a  twitching  in  the  upper  part  of  their 
thighs  or  groins — flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth,  and  pale 
face  (if  it  is  red,  give  Chamomilla,  and  it  tliis  does  not  an- 
swer, Belladonna) ;  sometimes  there  is  a  sourish  smell  pro- 
ceeding from  the  whole  body  of  the  child,  which  washing 
will  not  remove ;  if,  in  such  cases.  Rheum  does  not  give 
relief,  and  the  j^ain  is  very  violent,  give  Chamomilla,  and 
if  this  docs  not  suflice — the  jiain  abating  but  the  weakness 
continuing,  with  distension  of  the  abdomen,  Sulphur. 

Apis  for  greenish-yellow,  watery,  slimy,  painless  diar- 
rhoea, particularly  in  the  morning,  or  if  the  abdomen  is 
so  sensitive  that  it  cannot  bear  tlie  bed-cover.  Especially 
for  irritable  persons,  wlio  find  fault  with  everything,  for 
fickle  children  who  drop  and  break  everything,  and  be- 
come dejcc'ted  and  weak. 

Cinchona  will  be  serviceable  in  all  kinds  of  diarrhoea 
occurring  in  debilitated  persons,  and  also  in  other  cases, 
when,  during  tlie  most  violent  pains — which  are  spas- 
modic, contracting  and  oppressive — quantities  of  thin, 
brownish  matter  are  discharged,  sometimes  accompanied 
by  burning  pains  in  the  anus,  with  great  weakness  in  the 
abdomen,  rumbling,  flatulency  and  eructations.  Fre- 
quently, when  after  taking  cold  persons  awake  during 
the  night  with  these  spasmodic  pains,  it  gives  instant  re- 
"iicf,  and  prevents  diarrhoea. 

Bryonia  ofteii  answers  in  the  heat  of  summer,  particu- 
larly in  diarrhoea  arising  from  drinking  cold  water,  or 
from  taking  cold ;  or  when  the  diarrhoea  is  caused  by  eat- 
ing too  much  fruit,  or  by  eating  too  much  in  general;  like- 
wise, when  the  diarrhea  occurs  immediately  after  meals ; 
2U 


306  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

is  occasioned  by  sour-krout ;  also  when  producetl  by  vex- 
ation, and  Chamomilla  Las  failed  to  cure  it. 

Nux  moschata,  after  taking  cold  iu  water  or  from  wet 
feet,  for  such  as  easily  catch  cold,  and  who  have  a  cool, 
sensitive  skin;  for  slimy  stools,  or  like  chopped  eggs;  no 
appetite;  white-coated  tongue;  offensive  breath;  or  thin 
evacuations,  accompanied  with  much  straining;  or  in- 
voluntary; constant  pains  below  the  ribs,  moving  from 
right  to  left;  or  the  abdomen  distended  by  wind;  after 
eating  and  drinking,  pains  in  the  bowels  or  headache. 

Dulcamara  for  diarrhoea  wdiich  is  caused  by  taking  cold, 
particularly  in  summer  and  autumn — worse  at  night,  fre- 
C|uent  evacuations,  wliich  are  rather  watery,  attended  by 
no  great  pain  or  bj^  colic ;  if  this  does  not  give  relief  in 
six  hours,  give  Bryonia.  If  attended  with  more  weakness 
than  pain — if  it  comes  on  immediately  aft(;r  meals,  the 
food  being  passed  undigested.  Cinchona  generally  gives  re- 
lief; sometimes  Bryonia  or  Rheum — to  which  refer;  wlien 
attended  with  great  \\ral<iit'>s  and  pa.in  in  {\\v  bowels,  give 
Arsenicitm,  and  if  tlii-  ilm  -  nut  -nou  -ixc  rclicl',  yn.r  vomica. 
When  the  food  passrs  nn.Ii^v.-icd,  Frrnnn  is  hvqueutly  use- 
ful, or  Cinchona,  or  Calcarea;  sometimes  Mcrcurius.  For 
diarrhoea  attended  by  great  weakness,  mostly  Ipecacuanha, 
Veratrum  or  Arsenicum;  for  diarrhoea  without  any  pain, 
Ferrum  is  best.  When  diarrhoea  and  constipation  come 
on  alternately,  which  is  frequently  the  case  in  aged  peo- 
ple, Antimonium  crudum  answers  best. 

For  children,  particularly  while  teething,  Calcarea  is 
best,  when  the  heat  in  the  bowels  continues,  the  stools  are 
watery,  pale  yellow  or  sour.  If  the  discharge  continues 
very  painful,  or  bt'tnines  -rcen,  and  there  is  nuicli  rum- 
bling in  the  bowels,  ^ive  Pliosphoru,^. 

For  diarrhoea  in  females  during  pregnancy,  and  in 
confinements,  refer  to  "  Diseases  of  Women ; "  and  for  diar- 
rhoea with  children  during  summer,  to  "Summer  Com- 
plaint," among  "  Diseases  of  Children." 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 


DYSENTERY. 

The  chief  symptoms  of  Jysentery  are:  a  constant  straining  and  desire 
for  a  passage,  witli  cutting  pains  in  the  howels;  small  stools  of  whitisli  or 
bloody  mucus,  but  iio  realfivces  are  discharged.  The  constant  straining  and 
desire  for  a  stool  are  caused  by  inflammation  of  the  large  intestine,  and  not 
by  the  presence  of  fteces  as  iu  a  liealthy  person ;  this  disease  is  not,  as  com- 
monly believed,  diarrhcea,  but  just  the  reverse,  it  is  constipation.  The  re- 
appearance of  faeces  in  the  stools  is  a  sign  that  the  patient  is  better. 

Dysentery  attacks,  generally,  a  great  many  people  at  the  same  place,  and 
if  the  right  remedy  is  found  in  one  case,  it  may  be  given  in  all  other  cases, 
as  in  all  other  epidemics.  The  liomo?opatliic  physicians  should  in  every 
epidemic  try  to  find  tlie  right  remedy,  and  make  it  public. 

If  in  such  an  epidemic  you  once  have  a  patient  in  your  house,  there  will 
soon  be  more  from  the  use  of  the  same  privy.  The  surest,  easiest  and 
cheaijcst  way  of  disinfecting  is  by  a  solution  of  copperas  (sulphate  of  iron), 
one  piirt  of  coppera.s  to  twenty  parts  of  water ;  some  of  this  solution  should 
be  mixed  with  all  the  discharges  of  the  patient,  and  a  quart  or  two  of  it 
poured  every  few  days  into  the  privy. 

Dysentery  is  most  frequent  when  the  days  are  hot  and  the  nights  cool, 
at  such  times  be  particularly  careful  not  to  take  cold  when  you  are  heated, 
by  cold  drinks,  a  draught,  taking  off  a  part  of  your  clothing,  or  sitting 
down  upon  the  ground  or  a  stone.  Use  no  unripe  fruit,  spoilt  malt  liquor, 
sour  wine,  mineral  water,  lemonade,  especially  not  at  night. 

Sometimes  there  is  at  fii-st  common  diarrhcea,  for  which  you  should  select 
a  remedy  from  those  recommended  under  "Diarrhoea,"  but  more  particu- 
larly, Verairum,  Pulsatilla  or  Xux  vwschata.  Avoid  all  fruit,  salads,  sour 
things,  cabbage,  beans,  peas  and  the  like;  eat  only  farinaceous  food,  bread 
and  the  like,  soup  without  any  seasoning,  but  a  little  salt;  no  eggs.  See 
"  Diarrhoea." 

M  other  times  dysentery  is  preceded  by  other  complaints,  for  whicli  a 
remedy  haa  to  be  selected  from  those  recommended  under  their  ditlercnt 
heads. 

Aconitum  for  heat  and  thirst;  the  patient  of  a  full  habit,  pulse  strong 
and  fast,  face  hot  and  red,  more  so  at  night.  Pain  in  the  bowels,  accom- 
panied with  anxious  desire  to  i)ass  water,  urine  hot  and  brown-red ;  dry 
mouth  or  cold  in  the  head. 

For  conslipafioa  preceding  dy^ntery,  compare  Xux  vomica,  Bryonia,  Pla- 
tinum; or  Mercurius,  Stuphisagria,  Natrum  muriaticum. 

Nux  vomica,  if  the  patients  are  worse  in  the  morning,  before  or  while 
rising,  or  the  pain  is  worse  in  the  stomach  than  the  abdomen.  For  persons 
who  have  been  in  the  habit  of  drinking  much  cofTee  or  spirituous  liquors, 
but  have  now  a  marked  aversion  to  these  things,  do  not  delay  to  give  -Vux 
romica,  or,  according  to  the  symptoms,  ChamomUla. 


bU»  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

The  patient  may  drink  as  much  cold  water  as  he  likes,  and  notliing  else 
but  gruel  and  other  farinaceous  articles.  AVhen  he  is  recovering  he  .-houkl 
eat  the  same  things,  with  some  mutton  or  heei'-broth,  but  should  cat  olten 
and  not  much  at  a  time. 

Mercurius  when  there  is  an  urgent  desire  to  evacuate, 
as  if  the  intestines  were  being  pressed  out;  after  much 
straining,  a  discharge  of  light  blood  or  greenish,  broken- 
up  looking  matter  mixed  with  blood,  and  more  straining 
after  the  evacuation  than  before;  in  children  accompanied 
with  crying  and  screaming ;  infants  thus  affected,  refuse 
to  take  the  breast.  If  there  is  very  much  straining  before 
and  during  stool,  but  marked  relief  afterward,  give  Nux 
vom  ica. 

Mercurius  sublimatus  in  the  fall  if,  with  severe  colicky 
pain's,  fir.st  much  bile  is  discharged,  then  blood  or  slime, 
or  bright  colored  blood  alone  or  nothing  but  slime. 
When  it  no  longer  relieves  give  another  remedy;  com- 
pare particularly  what  is  said  of  Colocynthis  here  under 
"  Colic,"  "  Diarrhoea." 

Aconitum  is  particularly  valuable  in  dysenteries  occur- 
ring in  autumn — when  the  daj's  are  hot  and  the  nights 
cold;  after  violent  chill,  great  heat  and  thirst,  red  face;  if 
it  is  insufficient,  compare  what  is  said  under  Bryonia,  Nux 
vomica  or  Mercurius,  one  of  which  will  often  suit  the  case. 
When  there  is  rending  in  the  limbs,  head,  nape  of  the 
neck  and  shoulders,  give  Aconitum.;  if,  after  several  doses, 
it  proves  insufficient,  give  Chamomilla,  in  some  cases  also 
Pulsatilla.  If  the  discharge  is  mostly  slime  streaked  with 
blood,  give  Rhus,  to  which  refer  under  "Diarrhoea.'" 

Belladonna  when  Aconitum,  which  seemed  to  suit,  does 
no  good,  particularly  for  lively,  restless  persons,  or  chil- 
dren who  cry  easily,  or  women  who  are  easily  frightened ; 
if  the  patients  on  awaking  from  sleep  talk  at  random  ;  if 
every  moment  they  want  to  get  out  of  bed  or  into  another 
one;  especially  if  the  tongue  is  dry  and  red  at  the  point 
(compare  Rhus),  or  if  it  has  two  white  stripes  and  is  red 
all  around  and  in  the  middle. 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  309 

Chamomilla,  if  there  is  fever  and  thirst  with  rheumatic 
pains,  especially  in  the  head;  nausea,  coated  tongue, 
bitter  taste,  etc. ;  and  particularly  if  the  disease  was  pro- 
duced by  a  sudden  check  of  perspiration ;  and  is  accom- 
panied by  great  agitation  and  tossing  about. 

Cinchona,  for  epidemic  and  periodic  dysentery,  which 
affects  many  persons  at  the  same  time  in  a  marshy 
region,  or  where  canals  are  being  dug ;  particularly  when 
the  complaint  is  worse  every  other  day ;  or  if  the  patients 
have  a  soreness  below  the  ribs,  particularlj^  on  the  left 
side,  with  fulness ;  in  general  for  weak,  pale  persons. 

Veratrum.,  if  the  discharge  is  watery,  with  bloody  mu- 
cus and  flakes  swimming  in  it,  or  perhaps  with  sour  vom- 
iting; great  thirst;  severe  cutting  pains  in  the  bowels;  if 
the  water  passes  very  seldom ;  face  pale,  sunken,  anxious ; 
coldness,  or  sensation  of  coldness ;  great  weakness ;  draw- 
ing in  the  calves  of  the  legs. 

Arsenicum  for  the  same  great  weakness ;  when  the  dark, 
slimy  and  bloody  evacuations  have  a  putrid  smell,  when 
they  pass  involuntarilj^,  when  the  urine  becomes  offensive, 
the  patient  becomes  quite  indifferent,  as  if  stunned,  with 
a  bad  smell  from  the  mouth ;  when  here  and  there  red  or 
blue  spots  appear ;  also,  when  the  patient  tosses  about  in 
great  agony ;  is  unable  to  find  rest,  believes  he  is  dying, 
etc. ;  when,  at  the  same  time,  the  breath  is  very  cool,  or 
when  he  complains  of  burning;  when  Arsenicum  proves 
ineffectual,  give  Carbo  vegetabilis.  When,  after  Carho  vege- 
tabilis,  the  putrid  smell  remains,  give  Cinchona;  and  after- 
wards again,  Carbo  vegetabilis.  Carbo  vegetabilis  and  Arsen- 
icum are  both  suitable  if  the  dysentery  lias  been  brought 
on  by  cold  drinks,  particularly  ice-water.  For  those  who 
are  in  the  habit  of  using  spirituous  liquors  or  who  are 
fond  of  cakes,  rich  food  and  milk,  Carbo  vegetabilis  is  bet- 
ter.    If  cau,sed  by  spoiled  beer  or  fruit,  Arsenicum. 

Colocynthis  for  extreme  pain  in  the  bowels,  as  if  the  in- 
testines were  jammed  between  stones ;  the  patients  double 


310  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

themselves  up  and  are  very  restless;  the  discharge  is 
slimy,  sometimes  mixed  with  blood,  the  abdomen  much 
distended,  sometimes  like  a  drum ;  pressure  as  if  the  belly 
was  full ;  shuddering,  commencing  in  the  abdomen  and 
extending  over  the  whole  body ;  the  tongue  covered  with 
white  mucus ;  likewise,  if  brought  on  by  anger  and  morti- 
fication.    Refer  also  to  "  Colic." 

Staphisagria,  in  similar  cases,  when  the  pains  are  re- 
newed by  every  mouthful  of  food  and  drink,  even  of  wa- 
ter, and  if  there  is  afterwards  straining  and  pressing.  It 
is  sometimes  useful  in  alternation  with  Colocyrithis.  If  both 
of  them  do  good  only  for  a  short  time,  give  Causticum. 

Ehm,  after  a  heavy  vn\,\,  jiurticularly  after  getting  wet 
all  over,  in  a  rain  (ir  otherwise,  whilst  in  a  perspiration; 
especially  if  the  discharge  is  bloody,  slimy,  brownish  or 
greenish,  and  swims  upon  the  water  (compare  Cinchona 
and  Mercurius);  or  for  such  as  have  from  the  first  an 
eruption  out  on  the  lips  (compare  Arsenicum). 

Sulphur  should  be  given  in  all  protracted  cases,  when 
the  other  remedies  give  relief,  but  do  not  effect  a  complete 
cure :  if  there  is  still  much  urging  and  ineffectual  strain- 
ing ;  if  the  patient  has  an  aversion  to  bread,  meat,  milk, 
sweet  and  sour  things,  malt-liquors  and  wine,  and  wants 
nothing  but  thin  soup  and  brandy. 

COMMON  CHOLERA.  CHOLERA  MORBUS. 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  violent  purging  and  vomiting,  griping, 
thirst,  and  sometimes  bv  i  nuiips  ami  ccililness  of  the  extremities. 

It  is  most  generally  iirccwkil  liy  shivering,  headache,  nausea,  pain  in 
the  abdomen,  etc.  In  scmic  rasi-s,  however,  violent  vomiting  and  purging 
set  in  almost  simultaneously.  In  severe  cases,  there  is  considerable  pain 
in  the  abdomen,  violent  cramps  in  the  muscles  of  the  limbs,  paleness  of  tlie 
surface,  pinched  features,  sunken  eyes,  cold  and  clammy  skin,  and  great 
anxiety  and  depression. 

Attacks  frequently  come  on  at  niglit,  ami  liy  iiKirning  the  patient  may 
have  almost  or  entirely  recovered. 

The  exciting  causes  are  chiefly  imjjroper  (juantity  or  quality  of  food — 


AFFECTIONS   OF    THE    ABDO.MEX.  311 

cacuml)er?i,  fur  instance,  or  any  unripe  fruits  or  crude  vegetables — changes 
of  teni])erature,  great  fatigue,  ice  or  iceJ  water,  etc. 

Ipecacuanha,  if  the  attacks  of  vouiitiiig  predominate. 
Nux  vomica,  after  Ipecacuanha,  wluni  there  is  anxiety, 
paiu  ill  the  abdomen,  frequent  small  evacuations  and 
t^^'uesiuus,  and  headache. 

VenUram,  should  the  disease  grow  worse,  and  assume 
the  following  characteristics:  violent  vomiting  with  severe 
diarrhoea,  excessive  weakness,  and  cramps  in  the  calves 
of  the  legs ;  e3'es  hollow  or  sunken,  countenance  pale,  and 
expressive  of  acute  suffering ;  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
cold  clammy  perspiration,  violent  pain  in  the  region  of 
the  navel,  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  when  touched ; 
pains  and  cramps  iu  the  fingers,  shrivelled  appearance  of 
the  skin  on  the  palms  of  the  hands. 

Argenicum  is  useful  when  the  disease  is  attended  with 
rapid  prostration  of  strength,  insatiable  thirst,  excessive 
anxiety,  with  fear  of  approaching  death,  burning  sensa- 
tion in  the  region  of  the  stomach,  •  almost  constant  dis- 
charge from  the  bowels,  or  renewal  of  the  discharge  on 
every  occasion  that  the  desire  for  drink  is  gratified ;  sup- 
pression of  urine  or  scanty  discharge  followed  by  a  burn- 
ing sensation ;  violent  and  painful  vomiting,  tongue  aud 
lips  dry,  cracked  and  bluish,  or  black ;  hollow  cheeks, 
pointed  nose,  pulse  almost  imperceptible,  or  small,  weak, 
intermittent,  and  trembling ;  severe  spasms  in  the  fingers 
and  toes ;  clammy  perspiration. 

Cinchona  is  useful  for  the  weakness  which  remains  af- 
ter cholera,  but  is  also  occasionally  of  benefit  during  the 
course  of  the  disease,  particularly  when  there  is  vomiting 
of  food,  and  frequent  watery  and  brownish  evacuations 
containing  particles  of  undigested  food;  also  when  there 
is  oppression  at  the  chest  with  eructations,  which  afford 
temporary  relief;  severe  pressure  in  the  abdomen,  espe- 
cially after  partaking  of  the  smallest  portion  of  food ; 
gretit    exhaustion,    sometimes    amounting    to    fainting. 


312  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 

This  remedy  is  particularly  indicated  when  the  disease 
has  been  excited  by  indigestable  substances,  such  as  un- 
ripe fruit,  etc.,  or  by  inhabiting  a  marshy  situation. 

Cuprum,  in  cases  with  Violent  cramps  in  the  extremities, 
especially  in  the  calves  of  the  legs,  lingers  and  toes ;  it  is 
useful  also  when  the  evacuations  are  very  frequent  and 
whitish,  with  violent  pains  in  the  abdomen,  bluish  ap- 
pearance of  the  skin,  etc. 


ASIATIC  (OR  EPIDEMIC)  CHOLERA. 

During  an  epidemic  of  cholera,  the  doctors  tell  the  peo- 
ple :  "  Do  not  be  afraid ;  though,  in  spite  of  all  we  can  do 
for  you,  you  will  get  the  cholera  and  will  most  likely  die, 
yet,  do  not  be  afraid,  for  fear  makes  it  certainly  worse." 
But  I  say:  Be  afraid!  a  little  fear  is  wholesome,  it' will 
make  you  careful.  He  who  is  afraid  and  lives  reasona- 
bly will  not  easily  be  attacked,  or  only  slightly,  and  he 
who  is  not  afraid,  and  lives  unreasonably,  is  more  likely 
to  get  it ;  but  he  may  be  saved. 

The  surest  preventative  is  Sulphur;  put  half  a  teaspoon- 
ful  of  Milk  of  Sulphur  into  each  of  j^our  stockings  and  go 
about  your  business;  never  go  out  with  an  empty  stomach, 
eat  no  fresh  bread,  nor  sour  food.  This  is  not  only  a  pre- 
ventative in  cholera,  but  also  in  many  other  epidemic  dis- 
eases. Not  one  of  the  many  thousands  who  have  followed  this, 
my  advice,  have  been  attacked  by  cholera. 

At  the  beginning,  when  you  have  diarrhoea,  Sulphur 
will  relieve  you,  take  it  at  once,  and  if  it  must  be  re- 
peated, dissolve  a  few  globules  of  it  in  a  tumblerful  of 
water  and  take  a  spoonful  after  every  evacuation.  If  you 
awake  after  midnight  with  violent  diarrhoea,  vomiting, 
cramps  in  the  calves  of  the  legs,  paleness  and  coldness, 
take  Sulphur  and  keep  quiet,  the  next  day  eat  nothing 
but  stale  bread,  and  you  will  soon  be  well. 

This  was  confirmed  in  1849  in  more  than  five  hundred 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  313 

cases  which  came  to  my  knowledge.  In  a  few  cases  other 
remedies  were  necessary,  and  that  only  wlien  tlie  patient 
had  violated  the  rules;  but  none  died  who  took  ISuljiltur 
from  the  first. 

For  sudden  attacks,  and  in  general  in  the  commence- 
ment, if  the  disease  rapidly  becomes  much  worse,  Cam- 
phor  Tincture  is  the  best  remedy.  If  the  patient  is  at- 
tacked with  cramjas,  nausea,  excessive  prostration,  cold- 
ness and  blueness  of  the  surface,  give  him  a  drop  of  it 
every  fifteen,  ten  or  five  minutes  until  he  begins  to  per- 
spire. This  remedy  was  discovered  and  first  made  known 
to  the  world  by  Hahnemann;  it  has  since  become  a  popu- 
lar remedy  in  all  countries,  and  has  saved  the  lives  of  hun- 
dreds of  thousands.  Do  not  take  too  much  of  it,  and  not 
for  every  trifling  diarrhoea. 

For  attacks  of  real  cholera  :  Camplior,  as  stated  above ; 
or  Arsenicwm,  when  the  purging  and  vomiting  become 
very  frequent;  the  evacuations  from  the  bowels  being 
thin,  watery,  and  of  a  brownish  or  blackish  color  and  pu- 
trid smell,  or  light  colored  and  almost  without  smell,  es- 
pecially when  accompanied  by  intense,  burning  pains  or 
cramps  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  with  violent  thirst, 
and  great  prostration  of  strength;  also  burning  in  the 
anus  and  rectum  with  tenesmus.  It  is  also  worthy  of  at- 
tention in  the  last  stage  of  the  disease. 

Veratrura  is,  however,  the  remedy  upon  which  the  chief 
reliance  is  to  be  placed,  when  cholera  is  fully  developed ; 
the  discharges  almost  constant  and  presenting  the  char- 
acteristic rice-water  appearance,  with  cramps  in  the  calves 
of  the  legs,  fingers,  toes,  and  sometimes  of  the  muscles  of 
the  abdomen  and  chest;  the  patient  excessively  restless 
and  anxious  ;  the  extremities  cold,  etc. 

Cuprum,  after  Veratrum,  when  that  remedy  has  failed 
to  relieve  the  cramps,  which  are  very  violent  and  extend 
to  the  whole  body,  or  change  to  spasms  or  convulsions, 
with  constriction  of  the  chest  and  difficult  resj)iration. 


314  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ABDOMEX. 

Carbo  vegetabiUs  may  frequently  be  of  service  in  the  last 
stage  of  the  disease,  wheu  the  patient  is  in  a  state  of  col- 
lapse, or  asphyxia;  the  jiulse  almost  gone;  the  surface 
cold  and  bluish;  the  breath  cold;  or  when  the  evacua- 
tions and  cramps  have  ceased,  and  congestion  to  the  chest 
takes  place.  If  reaction  should  ensue  after  the  adminis- 
tration of  Carbo  vegetahilis,  and  the  purging,  vomiting, 
and  cramps  return,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  recourse 
again  to  Veratrum,  or  some  other  of  the  foregoing  medicines. 

In  the  congestions  which  frequently  follow  cholera,  that  to  the  head  will 
generally  be  relieved  by  AcoiUlum,  Belladvnna  and  Opium;  that  to  the 
chest  by  Phosphorus,  Bryonia,  AcoiUtiim,  and  other  remedies  recoiniiiended 
for  "Congestion  of  the  Chest,"  wliich  see. 

During  the  treatment  of  cholera  the  patient  should  be  kept  in  a  warm 
room,  and  the  heat  of  the  body  kept  up  as  much  as  possible  by  frictions 
with  the  hand  previously  dipped  in  Hour  to  prevent  abrasion  of  tlie  skin. 
Warm  oatmeal  and  bran  applied  to  the  limbs  or  over  the  whole  body  in 
suitable  bags  is  also  good,  everything  hot  is  very  painful  to  the  patient  and 
of  no  use.  To  quench  the  violent  thirst  which  generally  accompanies  the 
disease,  small  pieces  of  ice  should  be  placed  in  the  mouth  from  lime  to 
time;  cold  water,  in  small  quantities,  may  also  be  allowed  unless  it  be 
found  to  aggravate  the  disease. 

If  the  patient  gets  better  and  wants  to  eat  give  liim  gruel  and  light  food, 
often  and  only  a  little  at  a  time.  Eating  its  much  as  he  wants  may  cost  his 
life. 


CONSTIPATION. 

The  first  observation  we  have  to  make  on  this  complaint,  and  which 
many  will  consider  paradoxical,  is,  that  every  one  wlmse  bowels  are  con- 
stipated, may  congratulate  himself  that  he  has  no  worse  complaint.  Who- 
ever has  paid  attention  to  the  subject,  must  be  aware  that  nearly  all  persons 
who  are  disposed  to  costiveness,  live  long  and  keep  their  strength,  except 
when  they  injure  themselves  by  taking  aperient  medicines.  Those,  on  the 
contrary,  who  are  subject  to  frequent  attacks  of  diarrhoea,  are  early  in  life 
debilitated  and  seldom  grow  old. 

No  diarrhoea  can  appear  when  there  is  not  some  poisonous,  noxious 
matter,  or  morbid  disposition  in  the  body,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  much 
perspiration  and  the  eating  of  animal  food  are  sufficient  to  cause  constipa- 
tion. In  regard  to  the  notion  of  impurities  reniainins;  in  the  body,  see 
what  is  said  under  "  Diarrha?a."     The  very  popular  opininn  that  purj;ing 


AFFECTIONS   OF    THE   ABDOMEN.  315 

contributes  to  health,  not  only  when  tlie  body  siiflers  from  sickness,  but 
also  occasionally  when  it  is  in  a  healthy  state,  and  that  impurities  are 
driven  out  of  the  body  by  it,  is  entirely  erroneous  and  without  foundation. 
It  serves  to  keep  up  the  sale  of  drugs,  and  it  has  been  repeated  year  after 
year  until  it  is  almost  universally  received.  It  is  a  part  of  the  traditional 
medical  creed  of  the  world,  and  no  one  dares  to  doubt  it.  When  this  erro- 
neous method  of  treatment  is  prescribed  with  due  confidence  and  solemnity, 
heart  and  purse  (but  not  always  the  bowels)  open,  and  persons  actually  in 
sound  health  feel  a  downright  longing  to  be  properly  scrubbed  and  cleansed 
inside. 

Kvery  one  who  will  make  the  following  experiment  upon  a  horse,  or 
upon  himself,  will  be  convinced  that  our  opposition  to  purging  is  well 
founded.  Let  aperient  medicines  be  taken  for  a  week,  and  however  good 
may  liave  been  the  state  of  health  previously,  at  the  termination  of  this 
period  all  sorts  of  impurities  will  be  discharged,  particularly  after  taking 
jalap  and  calomel.  As  this  happens  in  every  instance,  either  to  man  or 
be:ist,  and  even  to  those  who  have  never  been  ill,  it  is  a  proof  that  these 
impurities  have  been  artificially  produced  by  drugs. 

We  are  frequently  able  to  judge  irom  the  nature  of  the  secretion,  what 
medicine  has  been  administered.  After  salts,  the  evacuation  always  smells 
like  rotten  eggs;  after  drastic  gums,  they  are  thin  and  watery;  after  mer- 
cury, green;  and  after  magnesia  and  rhubarb,  generally  oflensive,  etc. 
When  we  inquire  into  the  causes  whicli  produce  this  purging,  we  find  that 
almost  all  poisonous  substances  have  a  similar  eflect,  and  that  for  this 
reason  we  may  class  the  purgatives  with  propriety  among  the  poisons. 
Some  esteem  them  a  real  godsend,  and  imagine  that  these  drugs  have  been 
created  for  this  very  purpose.  It  might  as  well  be  supposed,  that  the 
rattlesnake  and  the  tiger  are  created  to  destroy  us. 

But  if  we  admit  that  these  drugs  are  intended  to  be  used  as  medicines,  it 
is  no  reason,  because  we  see  them  produced  in  great  (luaiuitio,  that  we 
should  make  an  e.xcessive  use  of  them.  Virulent  ]loisnll^,  :ilili..nuh  given 
but  in  small  portions,  produce  vomiting  and  ptirging,  or  injure  tlie  ^tciuach ; 
the  less  virulent  poisons  are  called  purgatives,  merely  becatise  they  do  not 
kill  immediately,  but  are  generally  rejected  by  the  eflbrts  of  nature. 

I'crsfins  suffering  from  constipation,  and  seeking  occasionally  to  be  re- 
lieved, or  suflering  from  other  complaints  connected  with  it,  should  take 
the  remedies  hereinafter  prescribed.  At  the  same  time  attention  sliould  be 
paid  to  the  manner  of  living;  moderation  in  the  use  of  meat,  whicli  must 
not  be  eaten  tliree  times  a  day,  is  to  be  observed;  a  free  use  of  salted  food 
is  to  be  avoided,  mastication  attended  to,  or  the  food  to  be  well  cut  up,  if 
teeth  have  been  lost;  a  Considerable  quantity  of  vegetables,  fruit  and  bread 
to  be  taken  with  meat — soup  may  be  indulged  in ;  strong  or  green  tea  to  be 
avoided,and  also  all  spirituous  liiiuors  and  beer  which  contain  narcotics; 
in  place  of  these  new  milk  may  be  used,  or  even  butter-milk,  which,  though 
it  is  generally  despised  and  given  to  the  pigs  in  this  country,  is  neverthe- 
less a  wholesome  beverage,  both  for  children  and  grown  persons. 


316  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    ABDOMEN. 


habitually  constipated  should  also  always,  if  it  agrees  witli  them, 
eat  fruit  at  dinner,  dried  fruit  in  preference,  or  good  ripe  apples;  they 
should  avoid  indulging  in  cheese,  should  not  smoke  before  meals  or  abstain 
from  it  entirely,  and  accustom  themselves  to  drink  a  glass  of  water  before 
going  to  bed. 

Among  the  domestic  remedies  nothing  can  be  recommended,  except  from 
time  to  time  an  injection  of  water.  Many  persons  are  afraid  if  they  get 
into  the  habit  of  using  injections  that  they  will  be  compelled  to  continue 
them;  but  there  is  no  danger  of  this,  if  the  medicines  recommended  are 
taken  at  the  same  time.  The  injections  used  should  consist  of  nothing  but 
water,  and  not  be  employed  too  frequently.  To  accustom  oneself  to  purga- 
tives is  infinitely  worse. 

For  other  precautions  in  giving  injections,  refer  to  "  Piles." 

Injections,  it  is  true,  only  relieve  the  patient  for  a  while,  but  in  the  mean- 
time the  cause  may  be  removed  by  medicine,  and  the  disease  cured.  Per- 
sons who  have  suftered  a  long  time  from  constipation,  which  constantly 
returns,  may  sometimes  be  cured  entirely  by  injections.  For  this  purpose 
let  the  water  be  as  cold  as  it  comes  from  the  spring,  about  half  a  pint,  or  a 
coffee  cup  full  at  a  time,  and  take  the  injection  before  going  to  bed  at  night. 
It  should,  if  possible,  be  retained.  Persons  who  continue  this  treatment 
for  a  week  or  two,  frequently  become  quite  regular  in  their  bowels,  if  they 
live  rationally  at  the  same  time.  Those  who  suffer  from  piles  must  not 
have  recourse  to  this  remedy. 

All  other  injections  besides  water  and  all  admi.xtures  are  injurious,  ex- 
cept fresh  boiled  milk,  which  is  sometimes  preferable  for  children. 

Remember  the  rule:  cold  injections  must  be  small,  taken  in  the  evening 
and  if  possible  retained,  or  they  will  be  of  no  use,  since  they  are  intended  to 
strengthen ;  warm  injections  on  the  other  hand  are  intended  to  soften  and 
open,  therefore  must  be  plentiful  and  taken  only  in  tlie  morning,  that  is 
from  three  to  four  a.m.  until  noon,  for  that  is  the  right  time  for  a  move- 
ment of  the  bowels. 

Another  remedy  is  plenty  of  exercise,  walking,  particularly  up  hill. 
Persons  who  are  costive  should  be  regular  in  attending  to  the  calls  of 
nature;  the  best  time  is  in  the  morning,  before  or  after  breakfast. 

The  following  medicines,  when  properly  selected,  will  greatly  facilitate 
the  cure. 

Nux  vomica  is  most  suitable  for  constipation  occurring 
in  persons  of  sedentary  liabits,  and  tliose  accustomed  to 
drinking  ardent  spirits ;  also  for  that  wliich  is  occasioned 
by  eating  too  great  a  variety  of  food  at  once ;  after  a  sur- 
feit, or  when  the  constipation  is  preceded  by  diarrhoea,  or 
for  suppressed  diarrhoea,  with  want  of  appetite,  disagreea- 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  317 

ble  taste,  the  tongue  sliinv,  coated,  loathing,  sickness  of 
the  stomach,  tenseness  of  the  abdomen,  pressure  in  that 
region,  heat,  stitches  here  and  there,  a  feeling  as  of  a 
weight,  cutting  pain  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen, 
heat  j)articularly  in  the  face,  headache,  disinclination  to 
work,  uneasy  sleep,  oppressed  breathing,  irritability  and 
frequent  comi)laining.  When  accompanied  by  morose- 
ness,  taciturnity,  and  after  eating  much  cake,  rancid  but- 
ter, etc.,  give  Palsatilla;  when  the  patient  is  irritable  and 
feels  chilly,  Bryonia. 

Bryonia  is  particularly  useful  in  constipation  occurring 
in  warm  weather,  or  if  worse  then,  and  in  persons  wlio 
suffer  from  rheumatism. 

Opium  when  there  is  an  inclination  to  evacuate,  but  a 
feeling  as  if  the  anus  were  closed;  there  is  no  regular 
pressure ;  sometimes  a  sensation  as  if  there  were  a  load  in 
the  abdomen;  throbbing  in  the  abdomen;  pressure  on  the 
stomach;  dry  mouth,  thirst,  and  want  of  appetite. 

Platina  when,  after  much  straining,  the  fseces  are  evacu- 
ated in  but  small  quantities ;  straining  and  itching  at  the 
anus ;  shuddering  over  the  whole  body  after  every  evacu- 
ation, accompanied  by  a  feeling  of  weakness  in  the  abdo- 
men, with  contraction,  bearing  down,  ojiprcssion  of  the 
stomach,  and  ineffectual  efforts  to  belch  wind ;  suitable 
also  for  constipation  after  or  while  travelling. 

Lachesis  for  protracted  costiveness,  with  a  feeling  of 
weight  and  oppression  at  the  stomach,  and  ineffectual 
eructations. 

Natriim  muriaiicum  in  tedious  cases,  where  tlie  above 
remedies  have  failed,  and  there  is  no  inclination  what- 
ever to  evacuate. 

It  will  also  be  beneficial  when  the  stools  are  scanty, 
hunt  and  insufficient;  when  there  is  a  constant  feeling  as 
if  something  were  being  pressed  down  in  the  large  intes- 
tine, without  regular  urging  to  stool. 

For  frequent  disposition  to  go  to  stool,  with  ineffectual 
efforts,  give  Sul2:ihur. 


318  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEX. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER.    FAINS  IN  THE 
LIVER. 

Pains  below  the  ribs  on  the  right  side,  extending  up  or 
down,  with  fever,  require  the  following  remedies : 

Aconitum  if  the  fever  is  high,  with  hot  skin,  much  thirst, 
and  whitish  furred  tongue,  accomj^anied  bj-  moaning,  great 
restlessness,  and  dread  of  death  ;  sliooting  pains  in  the  re- 
gion of  the  liver. 

Nux  vomica  for  shooting  or  pulsative  pains  with  great 
tenderness  of  the  region  of  the  liver  when  touched ;  nau- 
sea or  vomiting ;  bitter  or  sour  taste ;  shortness  of  breath 
and  sense  of  pressure  under  the  ribs  and  about  the  stom- 
ach ;  pressive  pain  in  the  head ;  thirst ;  highly  colored 
urine;  giddiness  and  paroxysms  of  anguish ;  constipation. 

Mercurius,  pains  under  the  ribs  of  a  pressive  character, 
which  do  not  allow  the  patient  to  lie  long  on  the  right 
side ;  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth ;  want  of  appetite ;  thirst, 
continued  shivering,  followed  sometimes  by  clammy  per- 
spiration; yellowness  of  the  skin  and  of  the  white  of  the 
eyes;  also  in  enlargement  and  hardening  of  the  liver. 
LacJiesis  is  frequently  suitable  after  ilcrcurius. 

Belladonna  for  pains  in  the  region  of  the  liver  which  ex- 
tend to  the  chest  and  shoulders,  particularly  of  the  right 
side;  swelling  and  tenseness  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach; 
oppressed  and  anxious  respiration;  congestion  to  the 
head  with  giddiness;  dimness  of  vision  and  occasional 
fainting;  great  thirst,  anxiety,  restlessness  and  sleepless- 
ness. It  is  often  suitable  after  Aconitum,  Mercurius  and 
Lachesis.  * 

Lachesis  will  be  serviceable  in  cases  in  which  Mercurius 
and  Belladonna  appear  to  be  indicated,  but  only  afford 
partial  relief;  and  also  in  obstinate  chronic  cases  occui-- 
ing  in  drunkards. 

Bryonia,  when  the  pains  are  pressive,  with  a  feeling  of 


AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN.  319 

tension  in  the  region  of  the  Hver;  pains  aggravated  by 
respiration,  coughing  and  movement;  violent  oppression 
of  the  chest,  with  rapid  and  anxious  respiration;  thick 
yellowish  coating  on  the  tongue;  constipation. 

Cinchona,  when  worse  every  other  day,  with  shooting 
and  prcssive  pains  in  the  region  of  the  liver;  swelling 
and  liardness  below  the  ribs;  pressive  pain  in  the  head; 
tongue  thickly  coated,  yellowi.sli,  and  bitter  taste  in  the 
mouth. 

Sulphur  will  be  serviceable  after  any  of  the  preceding 
remedies,  when  the  iniprovement  is  but  temporary  and 
the  disease  still  continues. 


JAUNDICE. 

There  are  different  kinds  of  jaundice,  sometimes  it  continues  for  a  long 
time  without  any  danger,  sometimes  it  is  accompanied  by  fever  and  in  some 
cases  it  is  a  favoral>le  sign,  in  otlier  cases  a  dangerous  sign,  whicli  can  be 
readily  seen  by  tlie  general  state  of  the  patient. 

There  is  commonly  but  little  fever  in  the  mild  forms  of  this  disease,  but 
in  bad  cases  the  fever  may  be  high,  and  the  brain  become  more  or  less 
affected,  which  is  always  a  serious  complication,  and  especially  so  when 
drowsiness,  with  great  difficulty  in  being  roused,  takes  place;  in  such  cases, 
if  there  was  or  is  still  a  great  itching,  or  frequent,  violent  gaping,  give 
Opium. 

Mercurius  will  be  sufficient,  if  the  patient  has  not  already  abused  this 
drug;  in  that  event  Cinchona  will  be  preferable,  which  may  Ije  followed, 
in  obstinate  cases,  by  Hepar,  Sulphur  or  Lachesis. 

Cinchona  may  advantageously  follow  Mercurius,  when  the  latter  remedy 
is  insufficient. 

Chamomitla  will  be  preferable  for  attacks  arising  from  a  fit  of  pa.ssinn.  It 
may  be  followed  by  Nux  vomica. 

Sulphur  and  Lachesis  will  be  most  suitable  for  very  irritable  persons,  in 
whom  the  symptoms  of  jaundice  manifest  themselves  upon  every  trifling 
occasion. 

.Jaiuidice  produced  by  abuse  of  mercury  may  be  combated  by  Cinchona 
and  Hepar,  or  Lachesis  and  Sulphur, — that  arising  from  abuse  of  cinchona 
by  Mercurius,  Belladonna,  Cnlcarea,  Nux  vomica;  and  that  caused  by  rhu- 
barb, bv  Chamomilla  or  Mercurius. 


320  AFFECTIONS    OF    THE    ABDOMEN. 


URINARY  TROUBLES. 

Wlien  anydne  passes  too  mucli  urine,  too  often,  or  it  is  abnormal,  it  should 
always  he  attentled  t-j,  as  it  is  very  debilitating  and  often  the  beginning  of  a 
.serious  disease. 

To  children  give  Mltus,  or,  if  thoy  have  much  thirst,  Belladonna  ;  if  the 
trorible  is  apt  to  return,  ii'  the  children  have  perspired  much  on  the  head, 
give  Silicea.     If  it  returns  after  SiUcea,  give  Hepar. 

Involuxt.vry  Emission  of  Urine. — Children  are  often  troubled  in  this 
way  when  playing  or  running  about,  and  when  asleep,  particularly  at  night. 
See  "Treatment  of  Infants— Wetting  the  Bed." 

It  is  also  frequent  in  old  age  but  occurs  in  all  ages,  particularly  with 
women,  then  it  is  generally  accompanied,  however,  by  other  symptoms, 
according  to  which  the  remedy  must  be  chosen— for  instance  cough,  then 
compare  Causlkum,  Natrum  mariaikum,  Antimonium  criidum,  Bryonia,  Pul- 
mlilla,  SpoTKjiii,  Staphisagria,  Veratrum. 

If  the  urine  escapes  while  passing  wind,  Pulsatilla.  If  it  escapes  quite 
involuntarily  during  the  day,  Ferrum;  during  the  first  sleep.  Sepia. 

DrPFicTLTY  AND  Pain  IN  MAKING  Water,  may  be  caused  by  other 
diseases,  liy  unclean  afi'ections,  or  by  chronic  afiections  of  the  kidneys  or 
the  bladder.  In  these  last  cases  consult  a  homceopathic  physician ;  if  you 
cannot  do  so,  use  the  remedies  below. 

It  is  strange  to  observe  how  anxious  most  people  are  about  their  having 
an  evacuation  from  the  bowels  every  day,  without  tal-.ing  much  notice  of 
how  often  they  pass  water.  Yet  it  is  ten  times  more  dangerous  to  go  one 
day  without  urinating,  than  to  be  a  whole  week  without  a  passage  from  the 
bowels.  Never  postpone  the  former  business  for  any  consideration  what- 
ever. Many  people  have  died  a  very  painful  death  from  their  having 
waited  too  long  to  urinate.  It  is  astonishing  how  sensible  people  can  run 
such  a  great  risk  on  account  of  extreme  modesty  or  bashfulness,  while 
attending  church,  parties,  especially  sleighing  parties,  concerts,  or  other 
assemblies,  and  when  traveling.  Do  not  be  in  a  hurry  when  urinating, 
do  not  strain  too  hard,  empty  the  bladder  completely,  and  avoid  a  cold 
draught. 

Consider  that  the  few  moments  which  may  be  gained  in  this  way  are  out 
of  all  proportion  to  the  time  lost  during  a  long  illness  which  may  be  caused 
by  it.  It  is  important  to  drink  water  often  particularly  when  tlie  urine 
becomes  more  scanty.  Infants  should  not  be  forgotten  or  allowed  to  suffer 
from  thirst  from  foolishly  thinking  that  cold  water  will  not  agree  with 
them. 

If  the  discharge  of  urine  becomes  for  some  time  more  and  more  scanty, 
it  is  an  indication  of  a  disease  which  may  suddenly  become  dangerous; 
take  everv  dav  a  warm  foot-bath,  drink  iilentv  of  water,  and  now  and  then 


AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    ABDOMEN.  321 

buttermilk;  but  beware  of  diuretics,  such  as  gin,  juniper  berries,  etc.  For 
constant  desire  to  urinate,  pain,  burning,  etc.,  use  applications  of  warm  wa- 
ter, a  warm  batli  and  mucilaginous  drinks,  particularly  oatmeal  gruel,  and 
partake  of  nothing  acrid,  salty  or  sour. 

Aconite  for  the  most  common  cases  when  there  is  pain- 
ful urging;  for  children  if  they  put  their  hands  to  the 
part.s  and  scream,  when  no  urine  or  very  little  passes, 
sometimes  only  single  drops  with  great  pain,  the  discharge 
is  very  red,  dark  and  turbid,  particularly  for  women  and 
children.  Should  Aconite  not  relieve  these  symptoms,  give 
Cantharift. 

Piilsniillfr,  if  there  are  pressing,  cutting  pains  or  redness 
and  licat  in  the  region  of  the  bladder,  especially  for 
women,  when  the  courses  are  suppressed,  too  tardy  or 
scanty;  ai.so  for  less  pain  but  mucli  urging. 

Arnica,  if  caused  by  a  blow  or  fall  on  the  bladder  or 
back,  or  by  a  violent  concussion  of  the  whole  body. 

Ahix  vomica  for  persons  of  a  full  habit  who  are  fond  of 
liquor;  after  suppressed  piles,  with  burning,  pressing  and 
tension  in  the  back,  and  the  region  between  the  ribs  and 
hip-bones. 

Belladonna,  if  the  pains  are  more  piercing,  extending 
from  the  back  to  the  bladder,  in  spells,  with  great  anxiety, 
restlessness  and  colic.  If  Belladonna  gives  only  temporary 
relief,  take  Hepar. 

Mercurius  for  very  violent,  constant  desire  to  urinate, 
the  stream  being  very  small,  with  perspiration  at  the 
same  time;  urine  dark  red,  soon  becoming  turbid  and 
otfensive. 

If  the  urine  is  acrid,  excoriating  and  if  after  its  passage 
there  is  some  blood,  ^lepar. 

Colocijnthis,  if  the  urine  becomes  sticky  and  gelatinous, 
and  the  ])ains  are  insupportable. 

Apis,  if  it  appears  after  a  partly  or  totally  suppressed 
eruption,  or  tliere  is  a  burning,  stinging,  or  itching  in 
different  parts;  the  whole  abdomen  is  very  sensitive  to 
21 


322  AFFECTIONS   OF   THE    ABDOMEN. 

the  slightest  touch ;  the  patient  often  shudders  and  feels 
chilly  when  moving,  particularly  in  the  evening;  if  he 
has  heat  without  thirst,  yawns  and  cannot  sleep. 

Cepa  for  frequent  urging,  the  urine  passes  by  starts  or 
only  in  drops,  is  bright  red  and  burning.  For  children 
when  they  scream,  particularly  when  you  press  on  the 
region  of  the  bladder  with  your  hand ;  after  a  cold  gener- 
ally or  from  wet  feet  or  exposure  of  the  abdomen  to  cold 
air  or  a  draught. 

Opium  will  often  be  beneficial  in  the  most  dangerous 
cases  for  infants  who  have  nursed  soon  after  the  mother 
was  very  angry  or  very  much  frightened,  when  neither 
water  nor  stool  passes,  the  abdomen  is  distended  and 
other  medicines  have  proved  ineffectual. 

If  the  water  does  not  pass  at  all,  or  only  very  slowly, 
with  burning  in  the  urethra,  and  burning  heat  in  the 
abdomen,  Camphor  is  sometimes  very  useful,  and  also 
when  caused  by  Spanish  flies,  in  blisters  or  taken  inter- 
nally;  too  much  must  not  be  taken,  smell  it  only  or  shake 
it  with  warm  water,  and  take  of  that  by  the  teaspoonful. 

If  it  occurs  after  suppressed  piles,  particularly  if  these  have  been  operated 
upon,  the  complaint  is  more  difficult  to  cure,  the  pain  and  burning  increase, 
the  urine  only  escapes  in  drops,  sometimes  blood  is  discharged  with  the 
urine  which  often  relieves,  in  this  case  use  warm  injections;  Aconitum  or 
Mercurius  ease  the  symptoms,  also  Sulphur,  or,  if  the  pain  is  very  great, 
Apis.  Nux  vomica,  if  the  pain  was  partly  caused  by  strong  drink  or 
increased  by  it.  If  worse  after  every  cold,  Dulcamara  or  Cepa;  if  at 
times  small  hard  pieces  pass,  give,  particularly  after  Sulphur,  Cakarea;  if 
the  burning  returns  and  increases,  Carbo  regetabilis  or  Amenievm.  A  com- 
plete cure  can  only  be  effected  by  long  and  careful  treatment  by  a  homoe- 
opathic physician. 

The  Passing  of  Bloody  Urine  is  often  combined  with  other  com- 
plaints; give  the  above  remedies.  If  from  external  injuries,  Arnica;  from 
spirituous  liquors,  Nux  vomica;  after  excesses,  Cinchona;  if  it  returns  often, 
Hepar.  If  accompanied  by  burning  pains  at  the  end  of  the  urethra;  if  the 
testicles  are  drawn  up;  cramp-like  pains  in  the  knees,  thighs  and  groins;  if 
contracting  and  cutting  pains  in  the  small  of  the  back  extend  to  the  navel, 
give  Pulsatilla. 


AFFECTIOXS   OF   THE    ABDOMEN.  323 


RUPTURE.    HERNIA. 

Enptiire  may  be  produced  by  severe  exercise  on  liorseback  or  on  foot,  by 
lifting  heavy  weights,  playing  on  wind  instruments,  vomiting,  costiveness, 
whooping-cough,  crying,  tight  clothing,  jumping,  etc. 

In  many  cases  it  can  be  cured  by  internal  remedijes,  when  it  has  not  been 
neglected  too  long.  Trusses  have  Ijeen  greatly  improved  in  tliis  country, 
but  bad  articles  are  still  common.  It  is  of  great  importance  to  get  a  good 
truss,  for  a  bad  one  may  do  great  injury ;  if  it  does  not  iit  exactly,  or  if  it 
slips,  it  may  make  tlie  rupture  incurable.  A  good  truss  must  not  be  trouble- 
some, although  in  the  beginning  it  may  feel  rather  uncomfortable ;  it  nuist 
not  te  applied  until  the  hernia  has  been  entirely  reduced,  when  the  truss 
ought  to  keep  it  in  its  position.  If  the  patient  iiorocives,  after  the  instru- 
ment has  been  applied,  that  something  protrudes,  let  him  take  it  ofF,  lie 
down  upon  his  back,  reduce  the  herui:i  ai;;dM,  and  replace  the  truss.  When 
the  Iiernia  protrudes  frequently,  tlie  triiss  is  good  for  nothing.  A  person 
alHicted  with  hernia,  who  does  not  wear  a  truss,  or  who  wears  a  bad  one — 
who  exerts  himself  afterwards  too  much,  or  is  otlierwise  imjjrudent — ex- 
pfises  himself  to  the  danger  of  having  incarcerated  or  strangulated  hernia, 
anil  mortification  following.  It  is  also  of  great  importance  to  know  how  a 
hernia  should  be  reduced. 

In  order  to  accomplish  this  properly,  the  patient  should  lie  down  on  his 
back,  and  place  a  pillow  under  the  hips,  so  that  the  ruptured  part  may  lie 
higher  than  the  rest  of  the  abdomen — he  should  then  incline  a  little  to  the 
side  on  which  the  rupture  appears,  to  relax  the  abdominal  muscles  as  much 
as  possible,  remain  perfectly  quiet,  and  avoid  all  motion.  If  the  proper 
medicines  are  taken  the  Iiernia  will  generally  return  of  itself  during  sleep 
witliout  external  aid.  If  it  does  not  become  thus  reduced,  it  can  be  better 
done  by  another  person,  though  many  are  able  to  reduce  it  for  themselves ; 
it  is  l)est  done  by  pre,ssing  the  left  hand  gently  against  the  part  which  pro- 
trudes, a.s  if  for  the  purpose  of  grasping  it ;  after  tliis,  press  the  fingers  of  tlie 
rigid  hand  on  the  top,  and  then  rub  it  lightly,  by  passing  the  fingers  over  it ; 
place  the  flat  of  the  hand  from  time  to  time  on  it,  and  gradually  increase  the 
pressure ;  continue  these  efiorts  patiently  for  half  an  hour,  or  longer,  if  the 
Iiernia  is  considerable.  Most  kinds  of  strangulated  hernia  can  generally 
be  reduced  with  facility,  after  the  proper  remedies  have  been  taken,  par- 
ticularly Aconitum  or  Nux  vomica.  When  the  Jiemia  will  not  bear  pressure, 
medicine  must  first  be  taken  to  remove  the  irritability — after  which  it  fre- 
(piently  returns  of  it.self.  In  some  case,  placing  a  cloth  dipped  in  warm 
water  upon  the  tumor  will  effect  the  reduction.  Some  persons  apply  cold 
water  or  ice  in  a  calf's  bladder,  but  this  should  not  be  kept  on  long,  and 
should  not  be  used  at  all  when  the  part.s  are  hot  and  red. 

For  violent  burning  in  the  belly,  as  from  red-hot  coals,  the  least  touch 
giving  pain,  with  sickness  of  the  stomach,  bitter,  bilious  vomiting,  anxiety, 


324  DISEASES   OF   WOMEX. 

arnl  cold  persiiiration,  give  Aconilum.  In  case  Acnnilum  only  alleviates 
the  symptoms  for  a  short  time,  without  any  other  good  efiect,  give  Veral- 
rum.  If,  after  this,  the  efloj-ts  to  reduce  it  sliould  fail,  it  being  on  the  left 
side,  with  much  pain  going  from  the  abdomen  to  the  rupture,  and  much 
rumbling  of  wind,  give  Cepa;  if  on  the  right  side,  Rhus.  If  accompanied 
by  sour  vomiting,  instead  of  bitter,  give  Sulphur  ;  leave  the  patient  to  rest 
awhile,  and  if  he  falls  asleep  do  not  disturb  him. 

If  the  pain  is  less  violent  when  tlie  parts  are  touched,  and  the  vomiting 
less,  but  the  breathing  is  attended  by  much  difficulty ;  when  taking  cold, 
or  overheating,  vexation  of  mind,  or  improper  diet  has  been  the  cause,  give 
Xux  vomica;  when  the  patient  becomes  red  in  the  face,  when  the  abdomen 
is  distended,  or  when  bad  smelling  and  tasting  eructations  or  vomiting 
occur,  give  Opium  until  there  is  a  change ;  if  the  vomiting  is  accompanied 
by  cold  sweat,  or  if  the  extremities  becoiia-  r<.ld.  Live  Vcratrum;  and  if  it 
does  not  improve.  Belladonna.  As  soon  ei>  iln-  iililMiinn  becomes  sensitive, 
and  cannot  endure  to  be  touched  without  pain,  uive  Aronilum  and  Sulphur, 
as  above.  Wlien  the  rupture  has  already  assumed  a  bad  appearance — 
when  the  symptoms  are  very  alarming,  and  no  surgeon  can  be  had,  give 
Lachesis,  and  if,  after  a  time,  there  is  no  improvement,  Arsenicum. 

In  all  cases  of  strangulated  hernia,  a  surgeon  should  immediately  be  sent 
for,  but  the  above  remedies  must  be  taken  in  the  meanwhile;  if  they  prove 
efficacious  before  he  arrives,  so  much  the  better;  if  not,  he  will  perform  the 
necessary  operation,  which  he  will  find  to  be  much  easier  after  the  patient 
has  taken  the  above  medicine,  as  numerous  experiences  have  proved. 

If  you  wish  to  cure  an  ordinary  rupture  before  it  becomes  strangulated, 
and  while  it  causes  no  iiartiiular  trouble,  consult  a  homceopathic  physician. 
But,  if  the  rupture  i-  '<(  n  rent  occurrence,  Rhus  will  give  relief  in  most 
cases.  If  it  (iccurn-d  suddenly,  by  lifting  or  great  exertion,  lie  down 
quietly,  keep  as  quiet  as  possible,  with  a  pillow  under  the  hips,  and  take 
Rhus.  If  it  occurred  slowly  while  standing,  Cocculus.  Xux  vomica,  if 
otherwise  indicated. 


CHAPTER    XI. 
DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 

MENSTRUATION  (THE  MONTHLY  SICKNESS). 

Menstruation  is  often  delayed  beyond  the  period  at  which  we  have  rea- 
son to  expect  it  in  healtliy  females,  or  when  it  does  appear,  it  is  frequently 
prece<led  by  much  suffering,  and  followed  by  liysterics  and  otlier  complaints. 
Complaints  attendant  on  the  cessation  of  tlie  menses  are  still  more  serious. 


DISEASES   OF    WOMEN.  325 

These  complaints  are  generally  produced  by  diseases  which  existed  previ- 
ously, and  can  only  be  cured  by  the  continued  attendance  of  a  honiceopathic 
physician.  Aflections  of  this  class  frequently  find  their  origin  and  supp.  .rt 
in  tlie  mode  of  living;  we  can  often  trace  them  to  insufficiency  of  cluthiug, 
wliich,  especially  in  a  variable  climate  like  ours,  is  very  injurious ;  many 
of  the  attendant  complaints  arise  from  other  causes,  which  medicine  alone 
can  remove. 

The  age  at  which  this  function  first  makes  its  appearance,  in  temperate 
cliuia(r<,  U  alioiii  ilie  fifteenth  year;  though  in  some  instances  it  occurs  at 
a  mn.h  laili.  r  aur,  and  in  others  again  it  is  protracted  several  years  later. 
In  warm  eUi}ialt-.  il  generally  appears  as  early  as  the  ninth  or  tenth  year, 
anil  in  coUl  ones  not  often  earlier  than  tlie  twentietli. 

The  average  duration  of  a  menstrual  period  is  about  five  days ;  it  varies 
considerably,  however,  in  different  individuals,  in  some  continuing  for  seven 
or  eight  days,  and  in  others  not  more  tlian  two  or  three.  It  generally  re- 
turns regularly  in  healthy  females,  every  twenty-eight  days,  and  usually 
continues  until  about  the  forty-fifth  year,  when  its  final  cessation  takes 
place,  which  is  usually  attended  with  a  good  deal  of  disturbance  of  the 
general  health,  as  well  as  of  irregularity  of  this  function ;  hence  this  period 
of  life  has  been  called  the  "critical  age,"  or  "change  of  life." 


TARDY  MENSTRUATION. 

AVhen  menstruation  is  tardy,  scanty,  or  too  late  in  making  its  appear- 
ance, beware  of  all  quack  medicines  wliich  pretend  to  induce  the  discliarge; 
many  girls  and  women  Iiave  ruined  their  health  for  ever  by  using  such 
nedicines.  In  many  cases  a  pn^pcr  aitcntiuu  to  diet,  exercise  and  clothing 
is  all  that  is  necessary  to  produce  a  licahhy  state  of  this  function.  Females 
subject  to  menstrual  irregularities  should  carefully  avoid  all  highly  sea- 
soned food,  and  also  cofiee,  green  tea,  and  all  spirituous  and  malt  lirpiors 
as  beverages.  Those  of  sedentary  habits  should  accustom  themselves  to 
daily  exercise  in  the  open  air,  eitlier  by  walking  or  riding.  Sedentary 
habits  and  close  application  to  study  are  both  highly  injurious.  The  cloth- 
ing should  be  warm,  adapted  to  the  season,  and  changed  to  suit  the  varia- 
tions of  temperature.  It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  keep  the  feet  dry 
and  warm,  by  wearing  thick-soled  shoes  and  warm  stockings,  especially  in 
wet  or  damp  weatlier.  The  neglect  of  this  precaution  has  destroyed  the 
health  and  happiness  of  hundreds.  A  cheerful  disposition  sliould  also  be 
cultivated,  as  all  depressing  mental  and  moral  emotions  have  an  injurious 
tendency. 

There  are  cases,  however,  in  which,  in  addition  to  the  observance  of  tlie 
above  rules,  it  will  be  necessary  to  make  use  of  one  or  more  of  the  follow- 
ing remedies,  which  can  be  administered  without  injury;  if  they  fail  to 
effect  the  desired  object,  apply  to  a  homoeopathic  practitioner. 


326  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

Pulsatilla  is  especially  adapted  to  females  of  a  mild, 
easy  disposition ;  paiu  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen 
and  across  the  small  of  the  back ;  giddiness,  fulness  about 
the  head  and  eyes,  paleness  of  the  face,  with  occasional 
flushes  of  heat;  roaring  in  the  ears,  or  partial  deafness, 
coldness  of  the  hands  and  feet,  and  disposition  to  general 
coldness;  sour  taste  in  the  mouth  after  eating;  nausea 
and  vomiting;  alternate  crying  and  laughter;  sadness 
and  melancholy;  painfulness  of  the  breasts;  palpitation 
of  the  heart,  especially  on  going  up  stairs ;  loss  of  appetite, 
with  desire  for  acids  and  disinclination  to  exercise.  The 
symptoms  are  worse  in  the  afternoon  and  before  mid- 
night; the  pains  frequently  change  from  one  place  to 
another;  better  in  the  open  air  and  while  exercising.  If 
no  improvement  follows  after  a  week  or  ten  days,  give 
Sulphur. 

Cocculus,  when  the  patient  suffers  from  nervous  symp- 
toms, or  for  contracting,  pinching  pain  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  abdomen,  with  oppressed  respiration;  and  also 
for  a  scanty  discharge  of  black  blood,  or  when  the  patient 
is  weak,  with  great  agitation,  sighing  or  groaning,  and  is 
scarcely  able  to  speak. 

Belladonna  if  there  is  rush  of  blood  to  the  head,  with 
redness  of  the  face,  sometimes  even  dark  red ;  bleeding  at 
the  nose;  redness  of  the  eyes  and  intolerance  of  light; 
giddiness,  especially  after  stooping;  and  full,  bounding 
pulse. 

Bryonia  is  indicated  when,  instead  of  menstruation, 
there  is  bleeding  at  the  nose.  Lacliesis  and  Ltjcopudium 
are  also  suitable  in  similar  cases. 

Cuprum  in  cases  of  spasms,  or  threatened  spasms,  with 
nausea  and  vomiting,  or  when  there  are  cramps  in  the  ex- 
tremities, with  screaming ;  also  in  convulsions. 

Apis  if  the  menstrual  discharge  either  stops  entirely,  or 
flows  two  or  three  days,  stops,  and  flows  again,  and  so  on; 
if  the  right  side,  from  the  hip-bone  to  the  navel,  is  very 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  327 

sensitive ;  if  violent,  cramp-like,  bearing-down  pains,  like 
lubor-pains,  appear,  followed  by  a  scanty  discharge  of  dark 
bloody  mucus ;  or  if  the  girl,  at  the  time,  l^ecomes  very 
talkative,  thoughtless,  and  don't  mind  anybody. 

j\"ux  moschata  for  women  of  a  changeable  disposition, 
witli  an  irregular,  scanty,  black  flow. 

Phosphorus  will  be  serviceable  in  women  of  a  delicate 
constitution,  with  slight  form,  weak  chest,  of  livelj'  dispo- 
sition, and  predisposed  to  lung  diseases ;  when,  in  place 
of  menstruation,  expectoration  of  blood  in  small  quanti- 
ties occurs,  with  hacking  cough  and  pains  in  the  chest. 

Arsenicum  is  applicable  in  cases  attended  with  great 
weakness,  also  in  swelling  of  the  face,  especially  around 
the  eyes,  with  paleness  of  the  complexion,  more  in  the 
morning;  swelling  of  the  feet  and  ankles  in  the  evening, 
and  a  feeling  of  heat  or  burning  in  the  veins. 

Vei'atrum  when  the  patient  has  cold  hands  and  feet,  dis- 
position to  diarrhoea,  etc. 

Sulphur  after  Pulsatilla,  when  the  latter  has  been  insuffi- 
cient, and  also  after  any  of  the  above  remedies,  especially 
if  the  patient  complains  of  heat  in  the  head,  giddiness, 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  shortness  of  breath,  particu- 
larly on  going  up  stairs ;  loss  of  appetite ;  sickness  at  the 
stomach  after  eating ;  emaciation,  and  depression  of  mind. 


SUPPRESSION  OF  THE  MENSES. 

By  this  term  is  understood  the  sudden  stoppage  of  the  menstrual  flow. 
This  is  frequently  consequent  upon  some  accidental  cause,  such  as  exposure 
to  cold  or  dampness  without  a  sutBciency  of  clothing,  particularly  of  the 
feet;  putting  the  feet  in  cold  water;  powerful  mental  emotions,  etc.  It 
also  often  occurs  in  the  course  of  other  di.seaaes,  especially  those  of  tlie 
lungs,  liver  and  womb,  in  rheumatism,  etc.  In  these  latter  instances  the 
difliciilty  can  only  be  removed  by  the  cure  of  the  primary  disease,  tlie  ap- 
propriate treatment  of  which  will  be  found  under  their  respective  heads. 

Acnnitum  when  the  affection  arises  from  fright,  and  es- 
pecially if  there  is  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head  or  chest, 


328  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

with  redness  of  the  face;  giddiness,  nausea  or  faintness; 
throbbing  or  acute  shooting  pains  in  the  head,  sometimes 
attended  by  dehrium  or  stupor.  When  the  suppression  is 
occasioned  by  fright,  this  remedy  should  be  administered 
immediately,  and  if  not  speedily  followed  by  relief,  or  if 
the  amelioration  is  but  partial  or  temporary,  it  may  be 
succeeded  with  benefit  by  Opium  or  Vcratrum. 

Bryonia  is  most  suitable  for  unmarried  women,  when 
the  suppression  is  followed  by  a  sensation  of  swimming  in 
the  head,  with  heaviness  and  jjressure  towards  the  fore- 
head, aggravated  by  stooping  ,and  by  motion ;  pains  in 
the  chest;  dry  cough;  bleeding  of  the  nose;  bitter  or  sour 
eructations ;  pain  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach  after  eating ; 
rising  of  food ;  pains  in  the  small  of  the  back,  and  also 
pains  of  a  drawing  character  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
abdomen ;  constipation. 

Belladonna  will  be  serviceable  after  Aconiium  in  ple- 
thoric subjects,  when  there  is  congestion  to  the  head, 
bleeding  of  the  nose,  and  for  most  of  the  sjanptoms  men- 
tioned under  Aconitum  when  the  latter  is  insufficient. 

Nux  moschata  if  caused  by  fatigue  and  taking  cold  at 
the  same  time,  particularly  from  wet  feet. 

Pulsatilla,  however,  is  the  chief  remedy  in  this  affection, 
and  will  afford  relief  in  the  majority  of  instances,  especially 
when  the  suppression  results  from  the  effects  of  cold  or  a 
chill  by  exposure  to  dampness,  and  the  patient  suffers  from 
headache,  chiefly  confined  to  one  side,  with  shooting  pains 
extending  to  the  face,  ears  and  teeth ;  palpitation  of  the 
heart ;  feeling  of  suffocation ;  flashes  of  heat ;  nausea  or 
vomiting ;  disposition  to  diarrhoea ;  pressure  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  abdomen;  frequent  desire  to  void  urine;  and 
whites.  It  is  best  adapted  to  those  of  a  mild,  easy  dispo- 
sition, with  inclination  to  melancholy  and  tears. 

Veratrum  for  nervous  headache;  hysterical  affections; 
frequent  nausea  and  vomiting;  pale,  earthy  color  of  the 
face;  coldness  of  the  hands  and  feet,  or  nose;  great  weak- 
ness, with  faintins:  fits. 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  329 

Sulpliur  for  pressing  hcculiu-he  chiefly  in  the  hack  part 
of  the  head,  extendiug  to  the  uape  of  the  ueck,  or  one- 
sided headache,  or  pain  over  the  eyes,  with  heat  and 
throhbing  in  the  head;  heaviness  of  tlio  head;  confusion 
of  the  head;  giddiness;  dimness  of  vision;  bkiish  circles 
round  the  eyes;  jjiniples  on  the  forehead  and  round  tlie 
nioutli,  and  red  spots  on  the  cheeks;  voracious  appetite; 
sour  stomach ;  sour  and  burning  eructations ;  fulness  and 
heaviness  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen;  constiiaation, 
with  ineffectual  efforts  to  evacuate,  disposition  to  piles; 
sometimes  loose,  slimy  stools;  cramps  in  the  abdomen; 
whites;  numbness  of  the  limbs;  great  disposition  to  take 
cold;  difficulty  of  breathing;  pain  in  the  loins;  great  de- 
pression after  talking;  fatigue  and  weakness  of  the  limbs; 
irritability  of  temper  or  disposition  to  melancholy  and 
tears. 

In  cases  of  long  standing,  especially  when  occurring  in 
debilitated  subjects,  Cinchona,  Causiicum,  Natrum  muriati- 
cum,  and  Arsenicum  will  be  useful,  but  it  is  much  better 
to  consult  a  physician. 

TOO  COPIOUS  MENSTRUATION. 

When  the  menstrual  discharge  is  excessive,  or  continues 
longer  than  usual,  and  is  attended  by  pains  in  the  back, 
loins  and  abdomen,  which  resemble  those  of  labor,  it 
becomes  necessary  to  lessen  it,  and  also  to  prevent  its 
recurrence. 

Rest  in  the  horizontal  posture  is  also  in  most  cases 
imperative. 

Ipecacuanha  for  too  great  a  ,flow,  and  also  in  flooding 
after  labor,  especially  when  there  is  a  profuse  discharge 
of  bright  red  blood. 

Crocus  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  in  this  com- 
plaint, particularly  when  the  di.scharge  is  dark  colored, 
clotted  and  very  copious,  and  the  men.ses  have  returned 
too  soon. 


330  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 

Platina  will  be  useful  in  cases  in  which  the  menstrual 
discharge  is  too  great,  and  consists  cliietiy  of  dark-colored 
blood,  and  is  attended  with  bearing  down  pains,  sexual 
and  general  excitability. 

Chamomilla  will  be  beneficial  when  the  discharge  is 
dark  colored  and  clotted,  accompanied  by  griping  pains 
which  extend  from  the  small  of  the  back  forward  towards 
the  abdomen;  thirst;  coldness  of  the  extremities,  and 
sometimes  fainting. 

Nux  vomica  when  the  menstruation  is  too  copious,  and 
returns  before  the  usual  time ;  when  it  continues  too  long, 
or  stops  and  returns  again.  It  is  particularly  adapted  to 
women  who  make  too  free  use  of  coffee,  wine  or  other 
stimulants,  all  of  which  articles  should  be  strictly  pro- 
hibited for  several  months. 

Ignatia  is  most  serviceable  in  cases  in  which  the  dis- 
charge continues  too  long,  and  is  freciuently  attended  by 
yawning  and  hysterical  symptoms. 

Cinchona  in  cases  of  great  debility  in  consequence  of 
too  copious  or  too  long-continued  menstrual  discharge. 
It  may  be  given  with  advantage,  after  the  discharge  has 
been  checked  by  other  remedies,  and  the  patient  suffers 
from  weakness  only. 

Sabina,  menstruation  too  profuse,  too  early  flow  by  spells, 
with  colic  and  labor-like  pains;  pain  from  back  to  front, 
flow  increased  by  motion. 

Sulphur  given  during  the  intervals  two  or  three  times, 
allowing  a  week  to  elapse  between  the  doses,  will  often  be 
beneficial,  after  the  failure  of  other  remedies.  Calcarea, 
administered  in  the  same  manner,  will  frequently  be 
found  successful. 


PAINFUL  MENSTRUATION. 

Belladonna  is  indicated  when  there  is  severe  pain  in  the 
back,  and  strong  bearing  down  in  the  lower  part  of  the  ab- 
domen, as  if  the  parts  would  fall  out,  accompanied  with 


DISEASES    (IF    WOMEN.  331 

violent  congestion  of  blood  to  the  lieiul,  confusion  of  sight, 
frightful  visions,  screaming,  redness  and  bloated  ajipear- 
aneo  of  the  face  and  frequent,  ineli'ectual  ellorts  to  stool 
with  much  straining. 

Ghamomilla  when  the  pains  resemble  labor  pains,  with 
pressure  from  the  small  of  the  back  toward  the  front  of 
the  abdomen  and  downward ;  colic,  with  tenderness  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  abdomen  when  touched,  and  discharge 
of  dark  colored  and  coagulated  blood. 

Veratrum  for  menstrual  colic,  with  nervous  headache; 
nausea  and  vomiting;  coldness  of  the  hands,  feet  or  nose; 
great  weakness ;  fainting  fits  and  diarrhoea. 

Coffca  will  be  beneficial  if  there  is  much  nervous  excite- 
ment ;  colic,  with  feeling  of  fulness  and  pressure  in  the 
abdomen,  and  violent  spasms  which  extend  to  the  chest ; 
delirium ;  wringing  of  the  hands,  grinding  of  the  teeth ; 
violent  screaming;  difficulty  of  breathing  and  groaning; 
coldness  of  the  whole  body,  numbness  and  stiffness. 

Cocculus  when  there  are  spasms  in  the  abdomen,  i-ramps 
in  the  chest ;  flatulency ;  nausea  and  faintness,  antl  jires- 
sive  colic. 

Pulsatilla  is  serviceable  when  there  is  a  feeling  of  heavi- 
ness, as  if  from  a  stone,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen ; 
violent  pressure  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  and 
small  of  the  back,  attended  with  a  sensatioii  of  drawing 
and  numbness  extending  down  the  thighs;  the  latter  sen- 
sation is  felt  more  particularly  when  the  patient  is  in  the 
sitting  posture;  pressure  in  the  rectum  with  ineffectual 
efforts  to  evacuate ;  frequent  inclination  to  pass  water. 

Nux  vomica  is  most  useful  in  relieving  writhing  pains  in 
the  abdomen,  accompanied  by  nausea,  or  pains  in  the 
back  and  loins,  as  if  dislocated;  feeling  as  if  bruised  on 
the  bones  of  the  pubis ;  spasms  and  pricking  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  abdomen ;  paroxysms  of  pressing  and  drawing 
pains,  frequent  desire  to  make  water,  and  sensation  in  the 
bowels  as  if  tliev  would  burst. 


332  DISEASES   OP   WOMEN. 


GREEN  SICKNESS.   CHLOROSIS. 


This  affection  commonly  occurs  in  young  girls  at  the  period  of  puberty — 
about  the  fourteenth  year— and  is  most  generally  owing  to  some  obstruction 
to  the  first  menstruation.  A  similar  condition  may,  however,  be  induced 
in  females  of  a  mjjre  advanced  age,  and  of  delicate  constitution,  by  exces- 
sive loss  of  blood  or  other  fluids,  sedentary  occupation,  exposure  to  damp- 
ness and  cold,  insufficient  food  and  clothing ;  mental  emotions  of  an  un- 
pleasant kind,  etc. 

The  disease  may  be  distinguished  by  excessive  paleness  of  the  complexion 
and  lijjs,  the  latter  appearing  at  times  almost  white — sometimes  alternately 
with  redness  and  flushes  of  heat ;  general  mental  and  physical  languor ; 
the  patient  complains  of  feeling  weak  and  tired ;  the  breathing  is  hurried ; 
the  slightest  exertion  produces  panting  respiration  and  violent  palpitation 
of  the  heart ;  this  is  particularly  noticealjle  upon  directinjf  the  patient  to 
go  up  stairs  quickly  ;  the  lower  extremities  often  become  swollen  ;  the  ap- 
petite depraved,  with  longing  after  chalk,  charcoal,  etc. ;  flatulent  disten- 
tion of  the  abdomen,  particularly  after  meals ;  constipation  or  diarrhoea ; 
cough,  sometimes  attended  by  expectoration  of  dark,  clotted  blood,  and 
epiaciation. 

Pulsatilla  is  best  adapted  to  those  of  a  mild,  easy  dispo- 
sition, disjaosed  to  sadness  and  tears ;  and  particularly  if 
the  disease  has  been  produced  by  exposure  to  cold  or 
dampness,  and  is  attended  by  frequent  attacks  of  one- 
sided headache,  with  pains  shooting  to  the  ears  and  teeth; 
sometimes  the  pain  changes  suddenly  from  one  side  to  the 
other ;  aching  in  the  forehead,  and  pressure  on  top  of  the 
head;  sallow  complexion  alternating  with  redness  and 
flushes  of  heat ;  difficulty  of  breathing  and  feeling  of  suf- 
focation after  the  slightest  exertion;  palpitation  of  the 
heart ;  coldness  or  heat  of  the  hands  and  feet ;  looseness 
of  bowels;  whites;  nausea  and  vomiting;  sensation  of 
weight  in  the  abdomen,  periodical  expectoration  of  dark, 
clotted  blood  ;  hunger  with  repugnance  to  food,  and  great 
fatigue,  especially  in  the  legs. 

Sulphur  should  have  the  preference  where  there  is  pres- 
sive  pain  in  the  back  of  the  head,  extending  to  the  neck ; 
congestio7i  to  the  head  with  throbbing  pains ;  humming 
in  the  head ;  pimples  about  the  mouth  and  on  the  fore- 


DISEASES   OF   WOMEN.  333 

head ;  paleness  of  the  fiice,  with  red  spots  on  the  cheeks ; 
emaciation ;  voracious  appetite ;  sour  or  burning  eructa- 
tions ;  pressive  fuhiess  and  heaviness  in  the  stomach  and 
abdomen  ;  irregularity  of  the  bowels ;  pain  in  the  loins ; 
difhculty  of  breathing;  great  depression  after  talking; 
fatigue,  especially  in  the  legs;  great  liability  to  take  cold. 
It  is  most  suitable  for  irritable  and  passionate  persons,  or 
those  inclined  to  sadness  and  tears. 

Bryonia  when  there  is  frequent  congestion  to  the  head 
or  chest ;  bleeding  of  the  nose ;  chilliness,  sometimes  al- 
ternating with  heat ;  dry  cough ;  colic ;  constipation ;  bit- 
ter taste  in  the  mouth ;  yellowish  coated  tongue ;  feeling 
of  aching,  as  if  from  a  blow,  in  the  stomach. 

Calcarea  carbonica  will  frequently  effect  a  cure  after  the 
failure  of  other  remedies,  when  the  difficulty  of  breathing 
is  very  great,  with  swelling  of  the  extremities;  swollen 
glands ;  leucorrhoeal  discharge ;  excessive  emaciation,  etc. 

Ferrnm  will  be  serviceable  after  Calcarea,  when  the  sal- 
lowness  continues,  with  great  debility,  want  of  appetite, 
nausea,  etc.  "When  the  complexion  is  very  pale,  the  lips 
bloodless,  and  the  heart's  action  palpitating,  irregular. 

Tliis  disease,  however,  should  in  all  cases  be  under  the  management  of  a 
homoeopathic  practitioner,  as  it  is  one,  wliich,  if  neglected  or  improperly 
treated,  will  destroy  the  health  and  consequentlythe  happiness  of  the  patient. 


CESSATION  OF  THE  MENSES. 

The  jieriod  at  wliich  menstruation  ceases  is  at  about  the  fortv-flfth  year 
of  age,  though  in  some  instances  the  "change"  takes  place  several  years 
earlier,  and  in  others  again,  it  may  be  postponed  till  the  fiftieth  year,  and 
even  later. 

Women  of  delicate  constitution  and  those  who  "live  high"  and  whose 
habits  are  sedentary,  generally  experience  tliis  change  earlier  than  those 
of  a  more  robust  organization,  or  those  who  live  temperately  and  make  use 
of  plenty  of  e.^ercise,  esiiecially  in  the  open  air. 

As  the  "change  of  life"  approaches,  the  menses  generally  become  irregu- 
lar, liolh  as  regards  the  time  of  their  return  and  the  q\iantity  of  the  dis- 
charge.    Tliey  may  either  return  too  soon,  or  the  interval  may  be  much 


334  DISEASES    OF   WOMEN. 

longer  than  usual.  The  quantit}'  discharged  is  at  times  much  smaller  than 
oiimmon,  and  at  others  again  it  may  he  s.i  jirofuse  as  to  amount  to  a  hemor- 
rhage. Occasionally  the  ll.w  .mhh-  .iu  siidiltiily  and  quite  unexpectedly, 
continues  for  a  short  time,  and  iIilh  ^icjis  willmat  being  followed  by  any  of 
the  ordinary  symptoms  of  suppression.  Sometimes  the  menstrual  fluid  dis- 
charged is  largely  mi.xed  with  mucus. 

In  the  majority  of  women,  while  this  change  is  in  progress,  there  is  more 
or  less  disturbance  of  the  general  health,  giving  rise  to  headache ;  vertigo ; 
flushes  of  heat ;  paleness  and  debility ;  nervousness ;  irregularity  in  tlie 
urinary  discharge ;  the  flow  being  sometimes  frequent  and  the  quantity 
large,  at  other  times  scanty  and  high-colored ;  pain  in  the  back  and  loins, 
which  extends  down  the  thighs  with  a  creeping  sensation;  heat  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  abdomen ;  occasional  swelling  of  the  abdomen  ;  swelling 
of  tlie  extremities;  piles  and  pruriius  (  violent  itching  of  the  privates). 

In  some  instances,  ho\vi\  .1 ,  tli.-  ji...  n^es  gradually  cease  without  being  at- 
tended by  any  of  the  unplia-ani  muiiiI.mus  enumerated  above.  Frequently 
after  the  complete  cessation  of  menstruation  the  health  becomes  better  than 
it  had  ever  been  previously. 

According  to  the  symptoms  select  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur,  Coceulm  or  Laehesis. 

A  proper  attention  to  diet,  exercise,  clothing,  etc.,  is  very  important.  The 
food  should  be  light  and  digestible,  and  everything  of  a  stimulating  nature 
carefully  avoided.  Daily  exercise  in  the  open  air,  either  by  walking  or 
riding,  and  also  bathing,  will  be  productive  of  great  advantage.  The 
clothing  should  be  warm  and  comfortable,  and  changed  to  suit  the  weather. 


WHITES,  LEUCORRHCEA. 

This  term  is  applied  to  a  discharge  of  mucus,  often  whitish,  proceeding 
from  the  vagina.  It  is  of  such  common  occurrence  that  many  women  and 
sometimes  even  small  children  are  subject  to  it.  At  first  the  patient  no- 
tices a  slight  discharge  of  whitish  matter,  which  escapes  from  the  vagina 
drop  by  drop,  and  is  unaccompanied  by  any  unpleasant  sensation.  If  neg- 
lected, as  is  most  generally  the  case  in  the  beginning,  the  discharge  increases 
in  quantity,  and  in  some  i-ims  it  Kecuines  excessive. 

The  quality,  too,  is  cliMnjr.l,  an.l  ii  liccomes  greenish,  yellowish  or  of  a 
dark  brown,  almo.st  black  .  mImi,  -aiuI  -ives  rise  to  pains,  excoriation,  etc.,  of 
the  parts.  The  general  hcalili  -.lU,,  Mitlers;  the  appetite  fails;  the  pulse 
becomes  weak;  the  face  pale  and  l.l.iati  il ;  the  eyes  become  dull  and  heavy, 
and  are  surrounded  by  yelhiwisli  lirc  lis;  vision  is  impaired  ;  there  is  con- 
stant pain  in  the  back  and  loins;  lowness  of  spirits;  excessive  debility,  etc. 

The  exciting  causes  of  leucorrhcea  are  numerous;  anything  which  aflects 
the  general  health  may  produce  it;  sometimes  it  is  owing  to  the  presence 
of  foreign  bodies  in  the  vagina  ;  some  of  the  worst  cases  of  tlie  disease,  for 
instance  owe  their  origin  to  a  long  continued  use  of  an  instrument  intended 


DISEASES   OF   WOMEN.  335 

to  remedy  falling  of  tlie  womb.     Such  cases  can  never  be  cured  until  the 
exciting  cause  is  removed.     The  disease  is  sometimes  owing  to  inattention 


In  the  treatment  of  this  affection  mucli  lienelH  will  be  derived  from  syring- 
ing the  parts  frequently  with  cold  water. 

Calcarca  carbonica  is  jiarticularly  suited  to  women  of  a 
lymphatic  constitution,  light  complexion,  and  who  have 
copious  menstruation  which  is  liable  to  return  too  soon ; 
when  the  discharge  is  milky,  often  passes  with  the  urine, 
and  on  lifting,  and  usually  comes  on,  or  is  worse  immedi- 
ately before  menstruation;  is  often  attended  by  itching 
and  burning ;  shooting  pains  through  the  parts,  and  fall- 
ing of  the  womb.  It  is  also  valuable  in  the  corrosive  leu- 
corrhcea  of  young  children. 

Pulsatilla  when  the  discharge  chiefly  takes  place  imme- 
diately before,  during  and  after  menstruation ;  when  pro- 
duced by  fright,  and  when  occuring  in  j'oung  girls  who 
have  not  yet  menstruated ;  the  discharge  being  thick,  like 
cream,  sometimes  corrosive  and  attended  Ijy  itching  of  the 
parts. 

Cocculns  if  the  discharge  is  mixed  with  blood  during 
pregnancy ;  or  is  like  the  water  in  which  meat  has  been 
washed,  attended  by  colic  and  flatulency,  and  taking 
place  principally  before  and  after  menstruation. 

Natrum  muriaticimi  when  the  discharge  is  copious,  and 
consists  of  transparent,  whitish  and  thick  mucus,  or  is 
acrid,  with  yellow  color  of  the  face;  also  when  accom- 
panied by  headache,  disposition  to  diarrhoea,  with  slimy 
evacuations  and  colic. 

Sulphur  for  inveterate  cases  of  leucorrlicea ;  the  discharge 
sometimes  yellowish,  burning  and  corrosive,  and  pi'eceded 
by  colic ;  also  when  it  results  from  repelled  eruptions  or 
ulcers. 

REMARKS  ON  PREGNANCY. 

The  woman  whose  lot  it  is  to  bear  within  herself  a  living  being,  occupies 
a  position  of  the  highest  interest. 


drfb  DISEASES   OF    WOMEN. 

During  this  period,  therefore,  she  should  consider  that  her  most  trifling 
actions  may  exert  a  great  influence  on  tlie  future  physical,  and  we  may  add, 
moral  and  intellectual  condition  t>(  a  luing  bound  to  her  by  the  fondest  ties, 
— a  being  that  lias  a  riglit  tn  uxpi .  t  In.ni  her,  as  its  parent,  so  far  as  it  lies 
in  her  power  to  give,  a  sound  constitmion.  Therefore,  to  realize  such  an 
object,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  mother  to  pay  all  possible  attention  to  her  diet, 
exercise  and  dress. 

Diet. — With  regard  to  diet  she  should  observe  the  greatest  simplicity; 
her  food  should  consist  simply  of  substances  of  a  purely  nutritive> nature, 
and  everything  medicinal  or  stimulating,  such  as  food  prepared  with  much 
seasoning,  spirituous,  vinous  and  fermented  liquors,  strong  tests  and  coflee, 
should  for  the  most  part  be  avoided. 

She  should  also  guard  against  taking  too  great  a  quantity  of  nourishment, 
as  excesses  of  this  kind  may  give  rise  to  dyspeptic  and  otlier  troublesome 
symptoms ;  wliich,  besides  I  oin;;  a  si .iirce  of  much  sufiering  to  herself,  may 
seriously  affect  the  health  i.l'  lu-r  future  offspring. 

Exercise. — Let  us  here  say,  witli  regard  to  exercise,  that  in  order  to  enjoy 
a  good  degree  of  health,  it  is  absolutely  indispensable  during  the  term  of 
pregnancy.  Passive  exercise,  such  as  riding  in  a  carriage,  is  not  only  in- 
sufficient at  all  times,  but  has  often  been  found  particularly  injurious  to- 
wards the  end  of  pregnancy ;  and  has  been  the  case  of  prenuitiu'-e  or  abnor- 
mal births. 

The  most  desirable  kind  of  exercise  is  walking  in  the  open  air,  such  ex- 
ercise must  not,  however,  interfere  with  tlie  process  of  digestion,  and  is, 
therefore,  most  suitable  two  or  three  hours  after  a  moderate  meal  at  noon, 
and  during  warm  weather  towards  evening ;  care  being  taken  to  avoid  the 
dampness  of  the  night  air  by  returning  home  early. 

Dress. — The  dress  should  be  strictly  siuted  to  the  seascm  and  not  jiroduoe 
the  least  pressure  on  any  part  of  the  body ;  even  the  garters  should  lie  worn 
loosely.  Tight  lacing  is  highly  injurious;  it  must  be  evident  to  the  plain- 
est understanding,  that  serious  injury  to  the  health  of  both  motlier  and 
child  must  often  result  from  a  continual  and  forcible  compression  of  the 
abdomen  while  nature  is  at  work  in  gradually  enlarging  it  for  the  accom- 
modation and  development  of  the  fcFtus  ;  and  the  result  is,  no  doubt,  that 
there  are  many  who  owe  their  deformities  to  the  vanity  of  their  mothers. 


DERANGEMENTS  DURING  PREGNANCY. 

Although  the  state  of  pregnancy  is  one  perfectly  natural  and  perfectly 
healthy,  yet  in  consequence  of  the  existence  of  constitutions  naturally  weak, 
and  of  those  disordered  by  the  excessive  use  of  medicines  pre.scrihed  under 
the  old  system,  and  from  numerous  other  causes,  it  often  happens  that  this 
condition  is  attended  l)y  many  deviations  from  healtli.  which  it  may  be  well 
to  notice,  together  with  the  liest  means  for  removing  them. 


DISEASES   OF   WOMEN.  337 

The  following  are  some  of  the  most  common  of  the  deviations  from  health 
which  are  met  with  during  pregnancy. 

Menstruation. — The  continuance  of  menstruation  during  presjnancy, 
though  of  comparatively  rare  occurrence,  is  occasionally  met  with,  and 
may  be  either  a  deviation  from  the  ordinary  course  of  nature  or  an  actual 
disease. 

Wlien  a  cause  of  suffering  to  women  by  being  too  long  continued  or  ])ro- 
fuse,  producing  debility,  or  when  attended  by  pain,  some  of  the  following 
medicines  may  be  required;   Crocus,  Platinum,  Cocculus,  or  Phosphorus. 

For  tlieir  particular  indications,  and  also  for  other  remedies,  see  "  Painful 
Menstruation"  and  "Too  Copious  Menstruation." 

Vertigo  and  Head.\^che.— Very  often  during  pregnancy  women  are 
troul)led  with  fulne.ss,  giddiness  and  pain  in  the  head.  Sometimes  these 
symptoms  commence  as  early  as  the  third  or  fourth  week  after  conception. 
The  feeling  of  giddiness  or  lightness  is  frequently  accompanied  by  dulness 
and  a  disinclination  to  active  employment ;  sleepiness  or  sometimes  sleep- 
lessness; dimness  of  sight  after  stooping;  flashes  before  the  eyes;  disposi- 
tion to  fall  forward  when  stooping ;  headaclie,  with  a  feeling  of  weight  on 
the  top  of  the  hq^d  or  in  the  back  of  the  neck ;  palpitation  of  tlie  heart ; 
nervousness,  tremblings,  etc.  These  symptoms  are  commonly  worse  in  the 
morning. 

Acouitum  is  best  adapted  to  persons  of  a  fidl  ]ialiit,with 
a  florid  comiilexion  and  nervous  temperament,  and  espe- 
cially if  there  is  giddiness,  as  if  intoxicated,  on  rising  from 
a  seat,  frequently  causing  one  to  fall ;  faintness  and  dim- 
ness of  vision  on  rising  from  a  recumbent  posture ;  deter- 
mination of  blood  to  the  head,  and  pressure  in  the  fore- 
head ;  .stupefying  pains  in  the  head ;  ej'es  red  and  spark- 
ling, with  intolerance  of  light;  black  spots  before  the 
eyes. 

Belladonna  for  conge.stion  to  the  head,  with  vertigo,  stag- 
gering and  trembling;  buzzing  in  the  cars;  intolerance 
of  noise ;  heaviness  and  pressive  pain  on  top  of  the  head 
or  in  the  forehead,  over  the  eyes;  pain,  with  a  sense  of 
expansion  of  the  head,  and  violent  throbbing  of  the  large 
arteries  of  the  neck ;  redness  of  the  face ;  soreness  and  red- 
ness of  the  cj-es;  sparks  before  the  eyes;  objects  appear 
double.  The  symj)toms  are  mostly  worse  in  the  morning. 
22 


66ii  ■     DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

Glonoine,  see  what  has  been  said  of  this  remedy  under 
"  Headache." 

Nux  vomica  is  most  suitable  for  women  of  a  liasty  tem- 
per, and  those  who  are  of  sedentary  habits,  or  addicted  to 
the  use  of  wine  or  coffee.  The  symptoms  are  generally 
aggravated  in  the  morning,  and  better  in  the  open  air. 
It  is  valuable  for  giddiness  with  a  feeling  of  confusion  in 
the  head;  with  cloudiness  of  sight  and  buzzing  in  the 
ears ;  pains  in  the  head  of  a  tearing,  drawing  or  jerking 
character,  or  periodical  pains;  constipation;  insipid  or 
acid,  bitter  and  putrid  taste,  etc. 

Opium  for  giddiness  on  rising  from  a  stooping  or  sit- 
ting posture;  vertigo,  with  stupidity  as  if  from  a  debauch ; 
great  drowsiness;  imperfect  sleeji,  Avith  puffed  face,  thick, 
heavy  breathing,  and  illusions  of  the  imagination. 

riatina  if  there  is  headache,  which  increases  gradually 
until  it  becomes  violent,  and  then  diminishes  in  the  same 
way,  and  also  for  headache  produced  by  vexation  or  pas- 
sion ;  constant  disposition  to  spit,  the  saliva  being  taste- 
less or  sweetish.  It  is  particularly  valuable  in  sufferings 
of  nervous  and  hysterical  women.  The  symptoms  are 
worse  during  repose,  and  relieved  by  motion. 

Pulsatilla  for  giddiness,  which  is  worse  after  stooping, 
with  momentary  blindness  and  staggering,  throbbing  and 
shooting  pains  in  tlie  head ;  one-sided  headache ;  head- 
ache every  other  day.  The  sufferings  are  sometimes  at- 
tended with  numbness  of  the  limbs,  are  worse  in  the 
afternoon  and  evening,  and  better  in  the  morning.  It  is 
most  suitable  for  women  of  a  mild  disposition. 

Sulphur,  if  there  is  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head, 
with  pulsative  pains  and  sensation  of  heat  in  the  head, 
vertigo  and  staggering,  principally  when  seated,  or  after 
a  meal,  attended  sometimes  by  nausea,  fainting,  weakness, 
and  bleeding  from  the  nose;  confusion  of  the  liead,  with 
difticulty  in  meditating,  worse  in  the  morning  or  evening; 
one-sided  headaches,  or  headaches  ou  top  of  the  head,  the 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  339 

back  part,  or  the  forelR'ud  over  the  eves,  with  dimness  of 
siglit;  periodical  or  intermittent  lieadaclies,  worse  in  the 
morning  or  evening,  or  at  night.  Tlie  pains  in  the  head 
are  mostly  aggravated  by  movement,  walking  in  the  open 
air,  and  meditation. 

MoRNiNQ  SicKXESs.— ?^ausea,  vomiting,  heartburn,  etc.,  are  at  the  same 
time  the  most  common  and  tlie  most  distressing  accompaniments  of  preg- 
naucT.  They  usually  begin  five  or  six  weelcs  after  conception,  and  con- 
tinue until  the  sixteenth  week.  After  which  time  tliey  generally  abate  or 
cease  entirely;  in  some  cases,  however,  they  continue  with  but  slight  modi- 
fication to  the  end  of  pregnancy. 

These  troublesome  symptoms  commonly  take  place  immediately  on  ris- 
ing from  bed  in  the  morning,  and  are  often  exceedingly  harassing  for  two 
or  tliree  hours.     Occasionally  they  return  again  in  the  evening. 

Attention  to  the  diet  must  lie  particularly  observetl  in  this  afieotion.  The 
food  may  lie  taken  at  more  frequent  intervals  and  in  smaller  quantities— 
and  when  the  vomiting  is  very  persistent  liquid  food  alone  should  be  used. 

Ipecaaianlm  should  be  given,  when  there  is  nausea  and 
vomiting,  with  great  uneasiness  in  the  stomach  and  epi- 
gastrium; vomiting  of  drink  and  undigested  food;  bilious 
vomiting,  and  tendency  to  relaxation  of  the  bowels. 

Nux  vomica  when  there  is  nausea  and  vomiting,  chiefly 
in  the  morning,  while  eating,  or  immediately  after  eating 
or  drinking;  acid  and  bitter  eructations  and  regurgita- 
tions; violent  hiccough ;  waterbrash;  pain  and  sensation 
of  weight  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach ;  constipation  and  irrit- 
able temper. 

Arsenicum  if  there  is  excessive  vomiting,  especially  after 
eating  or  drinking,  with  attacks  of  feinting;  great  weak- 
ness and  emaciation. 

Pulsatilla.  Nausea  after  eating ;  vomiting  of  food ;  heart- 
burn ;  eructations,  acid,  bitter,  or  with  the  taste  of  food ; 
depraved  appetite,  or  craving  for  acids,  wine,  etc.;  whitish 
coated  tongue. 

Natrum  muriaticum  will  be  useful  in  obstinate  cases,  ac- 
companied by  loss  of  appetite  and  taste;  constant  flow  of 
water  from  the  mouth;  waterbrash,  acid  stomach;  pain 
and  soreness  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 


340  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

NiLV  vioschata,  see  this  and  Veratnun,  under  "Affections 
of  the  Stoniacli." 

Phosphorus  will  be  beneficial  in  cases  in  which  the 
s\-niptoms  are  similar  to  those  mentioned  under  Arseni- 
cmn,  and  which  the  latter  remedy  has  failed  to  remove. 

Constipation.— Cimi-tiipaliiin  is  a  vtrv  common  attendant  on  pregnancy, 
especially  with  persons  naluially  (^r  a  costive  habit.  Wlien  it  does  not  arise 
from  a  mechanical  cause,  it  may  Irciiiicntly  be  removed  by  active  exercise 
in  the  open  air,  drinking  freely  of  cold  water,  and  eating  plentifully  of 
cooked  or  ripe  sweet  fruits. 

When  these  means  are  insufficient  one  or  more  of  the  following  medi- 
cines may  be  given:  Nux  vomica,  or  in  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to 
give  Bryonia,  Opium,  Lycopodiwn  or  Sulphur.     (See  "Constipation.") 

Di.VKRHCEA. — Diarrhoea  occurs  occasionally  during  preg- 
nancy, much  less  frequent!}',  however,  than  constijiation, 
but  is  much  more  injurious,  and  means  should  be  taken 
to  check  it  speedily,  otherwise  the  health  of  the  woman 
may  suffer  seriously. 

The  medicines  which  are  mostly  beneficial  are:  Lyco- 
podium,  Sulph^ir,  Dulcamara,  Antimonium  crudum,  Nux 
inoschata,  Pulsatilla  and  Rlieuvi.     (See  "  Diarrhoea.") 

Itching.  Pruritus. — Many  women  are,  during  the  course  of  preg- 
nancy, excessively  annoyed  and  distressed  at  times  by  a  very  troublesome 
iti-hing  of  the  privates. 

Sometimes  this  itching  arises  from  a  vitiated  condition  of  the  mucous  se- 
cretion of  the  parts,  and  at  others  it  is  owing  to  the  presence  of  an  eruption 
resembling  the  thrush  of  infants,  which  occasionally  entirely  covers  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the  vagina.  In  other  instances  again,  the  parts  assume 
a  dark  red  hue,' attended  with  great  irritation  and  excoriation,  and  almost 
constant  oozing  of  a  thin,  watery  secretion,  the  accunnilation  of  which  is 
attended  with  the  most  intolerable  itching.  This  affection  is  not  confined 
alone  to  the  pregnant  state,  but  iiitiy  occur  at  any  time. 

Bryonia,  Carbo  vei/i-tnhili^.  .1/.  /,■;;,■/«.<,  Pulsatilla,  LycopoiUum,  Silicea,  Sul- 
phur and  Rhus  are  tin-  rliii  r  iiimdirs  in  this  complaint. 

The  cure  will  be  much  andcraUil  by  frequently  washing  the  parts  with 
cold  water. 

A  solution  of  borax  in  water,  ajiiplicd  two  or  three  times  a  day,  will  gen- 
erally remove  the  itcliiun'  in  a  few  (l;iys;  the  same  result  is  often  obtained 
by  wa-sbing  the  parts  with  water  sligli'tly  acidulated  with  lemon-juice. 


DISEASES   OF    WOMEN.  3-11 

Fatnting  and  Hysterical  Fits. — Women  of  a  delicate  constitution  and 
nervous  temperament  are  frequently  attacked  with  fainting  and  hysterics 
during  pregnancy.  Generally  the  attack  passes  over  in  a  short  tiriir  wiiii- 
out  any  had  consequences  resulting.  When  the  attacks  are  lif;lit,  attention 
to  dietetic  rtdes,  and  plenty  of  e.xercise  in  the  open  air,  will  geiieially  pre- 
vent their  recurrence.  But  should  the  attacks  he  more  severe,  and  these 
means  insufficient  for  their  removal,  it  may  he  necessary  to  trace  the  cause, 
and,  if  possihle,  remove  it.  Frequently  they  arise  from  tight  lacing,  warm 
rooms,  etc. 

The  speediest  means  of  reviving  a  patient  from  fainting  is  to  admit  fresh 
air  in  abundance,  and  sprinkle  the  face  with  cold  water. 

Acomtum  may  be  useful  in  preventing  a  return  of  the 
attacks,  when  they  occur  in  individuals  of  a  full  habit. 

Coffea  in  nervous  women,  with  great  agitation;  spasms 
in  the  abdomen ;  difficult  respiration ;  cold  perspiration,  etc. 

Cinchona  when  caused  by  general  weakness,  particularly 
from  hemorrhages, 

Chamomilla  for  hysteria  which  is  excited  by  a  fit  of 
anger. 

Nux  vomica  when  these  affections  occur  in  choleric  per- 
sons, and  are  accompanied  by  derangement  of  the  stomach. 

Belladonna  is  often  useful  after  Aconitum,  especially 
when  there  is  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head. 

Pulsatilla  is  best  suited  to  women  of  a  mild,  easy  dis- 
position, and  when  the  attacks  are  attended  by  great  ex- 
citability, with  disposition  to  low  spirits,  etc. 

Ignatia  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  when  the 
patient  complains  of  severe  headache;  as  if  a  nail  were 
driven  into  the  head ;  melancholy,  frequent  sighing  and 
concealed  sorrow. 

Toothache. — Toothache  is  a  very  common  affection  during  pregnancy, 
anil  often  attacks  women  who  are  seldom  sulijcct  to  it  at  any  other  time. 
Frequently  it  is  of  exceedingly  severe  character.  It  most  generally  com- 
men<'es  in  a  decayed  tooth,  whence  it  may  e.xtend  to  the  whole  set,  darting 
along  the  jaw,  and  also  to  the  face  and  head.  Occasionally,  however,  it 
originates  in  a  sountl  tooth,  and  consequently  care  sliould  be  taken  to  con- 
sult a  physician  previously  to  having  teeth  extracted. 

The  medicines  which  will  be  most  commonly  found  useful  to  relieve  the 
suffering,  are  the  following:  Calcarea  carbonica,  Apis,  Mercurius,  Chamomilla, 


342  DISEASES   OP   WOMEN. 

yiix  vomica,  Pulsatilla  and  Staphisagria.  For  the  particular  indications 
governing  tlie  clioice  and  repetition  of  tlic-^e  remedies,  and  also  for  other 
remedies  which  may  be  useful,  see  the  article  ''Toothache,"  in  a  preceding 
chapter. 

Varicose  Veins. — During  pregnancy  many  women  suffer  a  good  deal 
from  a  distention  of  the  veins  in  the  lower  extremities.  The  swelling  gen- 
erally commences  first  about  the  ankle,  and  gradually  extends  upwards 
towards  the  thigh ;  it  is  frequently  confined  to  the  leg  below  the  knee,  but 
occasionally  the  veins  of  the  entire  limb  are  implicated.  The  disease  may 
involve  both  limbs,  or  it  may  be  confined  to  but  one. 

Tlie  enlarged  veins  lie  in  general  near  the  surface,  and  assume  at  first  a 
reddish  hue,  and  after  continuing  so  for  some  time,  become  bluish  or  of  a 
leaden  color,  and  the  large  ones  become  very  much  knotted.  They  get 
larger  when  the  patient  is  standing,  or  when  the  limb  is  hanging,  and  the 
swelling  decreases  on  l^'ing  down. 

This  afiection,  though  occurring  more  frequently  during  pregnancy,  is 
not  confined  to  this  state,  but  may  take  place  at  any  time  in  the  female, 
and  is  also  met  with  in  the  male  sex. 

The  disease  in  the  beginning  is  not  painful,  but  if  the  swelling  continues 
to  increase,  it  may  become  so,  and  the  veins  may  ultimately  burst,  and  a 
large  quantity  of  blood  be  discharged,  either  externally,  or  effused  beneath 
the  skin. 

Varicose  veins  are  generally  caused  by  obstruction  to  the  circulation 
arising  from  the  pressure  of  the  enlarged  uterus  upon  the  blood  vessels; 
their  occurrence  in  an  aggravated  form,  however,  is  indicative  of  constitu- 
tional debility. 

After  delivery,  the  pressure  being  removed,  the  swelling  gradually  dis- 
appears, and  the  veins  assume  their  natural  size  and  appearance. 

Much  good  will  often  result  from  frequent  bathing  with  cold  water  or 
diluted  alcohol.  Having  the  limb  bandaged  with  an  India  rubber  band- 
age, or  making  use  of  the  India  rubber  stocking  will  also  afibrd  great  re- 
lief, especially  to  persons  who  are  compelled  to  be  much  on  their  feet. 
The  bandage  or  stocking  should  be  applied  in  the  morning  before  rising, 
when  there  is  the  least  swelling,  beginning  at  the  foot  and  progressing  up- 
wards with  a  moderate  and  equal  pressure. 

The  patient  should  remain  lying  down  in  severe  forms  of  the  complaint. 

Pulsatilla  will  in  most  cases  be  found  useful,  especially 
if  there  is  much  swelling  of  the  veins  and  of  the  whole 
limb,  with  great  pain  and  more  or  less  inflammation,  or 
when  the  veins,  and  sometimes  the  entire  limb,  assume  a 
bluish  color.     Arnica,  too,  may  prove  useful. 

Lachesis  mav  follow  Pulsatilla  when  the  latter  has  iiro- 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  343 

tluced  some  relief  of  the  pain  and  swelling,  but  the  dis- 
colurutiun  still  remains. 

Nax  vomica  when  attended  with  cpnstiiiation,  hemor- 
rhoids and  irritable  temper. 

Arsenicum,  when  with  the  symptoms  mentioned  under 
Pulsalilla,  there  are  severe  burning  pains. 

Carbo  vegdahilis  for  the  same  symptoms  as  the  latter 
when  that  lias  been  insufficient. 

Lycopodium  in  cases  of  long  standing  after  the  failure 
of  other  i-eraedies. 

Hemorrhoids  or  Piles.— This  affection  frequently  occurs  in  women 
<luring  pregnancy  who  are  not  subject  to  it  at  any  other  time.  This  is 
ohiefly  owing  to  the  pressure  of  the  enlarged  uterus  on  the  contents  of  the 
abdomen  causing  more  or  less  inactivity  of  the  bowels,  and  obstruction  to 
the  circulation. 

The  appropriate  treatment  to  pursue  in  this  troublesome  complaint,  will 
be  found  under  the  heading  of  "  Ilemorrliuids "  in  the  preceding  chapter. 

Pain  in  the  Back  and  Side  during  Pregnancy.— Women  often 
suffer  very  much  from  pain  in  the  lower  part  of  the  back  during  pregnancy. 
Occasionally  the  pain  is  seated  deep  in  the  right  side  under  the  riljs.  It  is 
usually  most  troublesome  from  the  fifth  to  the  eighth  month.  The  sensa- 
tion experienced  is  that  of  an  almost  indescribable  aching,  or  of  a  dull  heavy 
pressure,  as  if  caused  by  a  dead  weight  resting  on  the  part  affected.  AVhen 
in  the  side,  it  is  attended  with  a  feeling  of  heat. 

For  the  pain  in  the  back,  benefit  will  be  derived  from  the  use  of  Bryonia, 
Rhus,  Belladonna,  PulsatiUa,  Nux  vomica,  Causticum,  or  Sulphur. 

For  that  in  the  side  AconUum,  ChamomUla,  PidsaJilla,  or  Phosphorus  will 
be  rat)st  serviceable. 

Cramps. — Cramps  in  the  legs,  abdomen,  hips,  or  back,  are  common  ac- 
companinients  of  pregnancy,  and  when  present,  are  exceedingly  painful 
and  annoying. 

The  remedies  best  calculated  to  remove  cramps  in  the  legs,  wliich  are 
most  common,  are:  Colocynlhis,  Hyoscyamus,  Calcaxea  carbonica,  CliamomiUa, 
Nuz  vomica,  or  Sulphur. 

Those  of  the  back:  Ignatia,  Rhug,  or  Opium. 

Those  of  the  abdomen:  Nux  vomica,  PulsatiUa,  BeUadotina,  Hyoscyamus, 
or  ChlocytUhia. 

Incontinence  op  Urine.— Frequent  desire  to  void  the  urine,  or  total 
inability  to  retain  it,  are  by  no  means  of  uncommon  occurrence  during 
pregnancy,  and  are  extremely  distressing  to  the  patient. 


344  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

The  following  remedies  will  generally  afibril  relief:  Pulsatilla,  Belladonna, 
Cinchona,  Silicea,  or  Stri 


Depkession  of  Spirits. — This  unhappy  state  of  mind,  in  which  the 
patient  imagines  that  she  is  afflicted  with  "  all  the  ills  that  ilesh  is  heir  to," 
and  that  she  will  certainly  never  survive  her  approaching  confinement,  is 
often  aggravated  by  meddlesome  persons  lelating  accounts  of  dreadful  ac- 
cidents and  unfortunate  terminations  of  labors,  which  in  all  probability 
never  happened. 

The  patient  may  be  much  benefited  under  these  circumstances  by  the 
cheerful  conversation  of  judicious  friends,  exercise  in  the  ojjen  air,  proper 
attention  to  rules  of  diet,  etc.  And  also  by  taking  one  or  mure  of  the  fol- 
lowing medicines. 

Aconiium,  if  depression  results  from  fright,  and  fear  of 
death  is  the  most  prominent  symptom. 

Belladonna,  if  there  is  great  agitation  and  restlessness  at 
night;  fear  of  gho.sts;  fear  and  disposition  to  run  away 
and  hide ;  involuntary  laughter ;  disposition  to  laugh  or 
sing,  or  to  fall  into  a  passion  and  rave;  frightful  visions; 
indisposition  for  exertion,  etc. 

Pulsatilla  for  depression,  with  sadness  and  weeping; 
uneasiness  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach;  sleeplessness;  she 
imagines  herself  to  be  oppressed  with  a  multitude  of  cares ; 
dislike  to  conversation ;  headache  and  heartburn. 

Sulphur.  Lowness  of  spirits,  with  great  anxiety  on  the 
subject  of  religion ;  despair  of  eternal  salvation ;  forgetful- 
ness  of  proper  names  and  of  words  when  about  to  speak 
them ;  disposition  to  get  angry. 

Miscarriage.  Abortion. — Women  are  liable  to  miscarry  at  any  periud 
of  pregnancy ;  it  occurs  most  frequently,  however,  about  the  tliird,  or  the 
beginning  of  the  fourth  month.  When  it  takes  place  before  or  about  this 
period,  it  is  not  very  dangerous,  though  repeated  miscarriages,  from  the 
profuse  discharge  with  which  they  are  mostly  accompanied,  impair  the 
constitution,  and  very  often  engender  some  chronic  malady.  Miscarriages 
occurring  at  a  later-period  are  much  more  serious,  and  frequently  highly 
dangerous  to  the  sufferer. 

Females  who  have  miscarried  once,  are  exceedingly  liable  to  its  recur- 
rence, which  liability  is  greatly  increased,  if  it  have  occurred  two  or  three 
times. 

The  most  common  causes  of  miscarriage  are:  mechanical  injuries,  as  a 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  345 

fall  or  blow,  etc.;  sudden  and  powerful  mental  emotions;  the  aliuse  of 
purgative  drugs;  great  physical  exertion;  too  free  use  of  stimulating  luod 
and  drinks;  neglect  to  take  air  and  exercise;  late  hours,  etc. 

The  following  symptoms  generally  precede  and  attend  this  afiection: 
chilliness  followed  by  more  or  less  fever  and  bearing-down  pains;  severe 
pains  in  tlie  abdomen ;  cutting  pains  in  tlie  loins,  or  pains  resembling  labor- 
pains;  discharge  of  mucus  and  blood,  sometimes  of  a  briglit  red  color,  at 
others  dark  and  clotted,  followed  by  a  flow  of  thin  fluid.  The  miscarriage 
generally  takes  place  along  with  this  discharge,  which,  if  not  stopped  by 
appropriate  means,  may  continue  for  hours,  and  endanger  tlie  life  of  the 
patient. 

In  cases  of  threatened  miscarriage  the  patient  should  immediately  lie 
down,  and  remain  so  until  the  danger  is  passed ;  or,  in  case  the  miscarriage 
has  taken  place,  she  should  still  remain  in  this  position  for  a  few  days  to 
guard  against  a  fresh  discharge,  which  is  more  liable  to  occiu-  in  the  up- 
right posture. 

Arnica,  when  the  symptoms  arise  from  a  fall,  blow, 
violent  concussion,  overlifting,  or  great  physical  exertion 
of  any  kind,  this  medicine  should  be  given  immediately. 

Chamomilla,  when  there  are  periodical  pains  resembling 
those  of  labor,  and  each  pain  is  followed  by  a  discharge 
of  dark  colored  or  coagulated  blood,  or  of  blood  and  mucus 
mixed;  also  for  violent  pains  in  the  bowels  extending 
around  the  sides,  accompanied  by  a  sensation  as  if  an 
evacuation  of  the  bowels  or  bladder  were  about  to  take 
place;  frequent  yawning;  coldness  and  shivering,  with 
thirst. 

Nux  moschata,  if  the  blood  is  very  dark,  thick  and  if  it 
increases  constantly  in  quantity,  with  bearing  down,  nau- 
sea, drawing  in  the  legs,  urine  burning;  for  women  of  a 
changeable  disposition,  whose  menstruation  has  generally 
been  irregular,  who  have  a  cool,  dry  skin,  cannot  bear 
the  open  air,  and  have  a  weak  stomach. 

Secale  is  valuable,  after  miscarriage  has  occurred,  espe- 
cially in  debilitated  persons,  or  when  the  discharge  con- 
sists of  dark  liquid  blood  and  the  pains  are  but  slight. 

Orocm  is  particularly  serviceable  in  cases  in  which  there 
is  a  discharge  of  dark,  clotted  blood,  which  is  increased 
by  the  least  exertion,  with  a  feeling  of  fluttering,  or  as  if 


346  DISEASKS   OF   WOMEN. 

something  was  moving  about  in  the  region  of  the  navel. 
It  may  be  used  with  advantage  in  protracted  cases,  after 
other  remedies  have  been  administered  unsuccessfully. 

Ipecacuanha  for  abortion  attended  with  spasms  but  with- 
out loss  of  consciousness;  profuse  and  continuous  dis- 
charge of  bright  red  blood,  accompanied  with  pressure 
downwards,  cutting  pains  round  the  navel;  nausea  or 
vomiting;  disposition  to  faintness;  chills  and  heat. 

Belladonna  is  especially  useful  in  the  commencement, 
and  also  subsequently  when  there  are  violent  pains  in  the 
loins  and  the  entire  abdomen ;  severe  bearing  down  as  if 
all  the  intestines  were  about  to  be  forced  out ;  pain  in  the 
small  of  the  back  as  if  it  were  broken;  pale  or  flushed 
face;  profuse  discharge  of  blood,  neither  very  bright,  nor 
dark  colored. 

Hyoscyamus  for  miscarriage  attended  with  spasms  or 
convulsions  of  the  whole  body,  with  loss  of  consciousness; 
discharge  of  light  red  blood;  the  symptoms  are  mostly 
worse  at  night. 

Platina  is  useful  when  there  is  discharge  of  dark, 
thick  or  clotted  blood ;  pains  in  the  back  which  pass  into 
the  groins,  and  pressing  or  bearing  down  internally 
towards  the  privates,  which  are  very  sensitive.  It  is  some- 
times serviceable  after  Ipecacuanha. 

Cinchona  is  particularly  valuable  for  weak  and  ex- 
hausted persons ;  also  when  there  is  blood  discharged  at 
intervals,  with  bearing  down  pain ;  or  for  spasmodic  pains 
in  the  uterus;  giddiness,  drowsiness,  fainting;  loss  of  con- 
sciousness and  coldness  of  the  extremities.  This  remedy 
is  most  useful  in  restoring  the  energies  of  the  patient,  and 
removing  tlie  remaining  symptoms  after  the  discharge 
has  ceased. 

Ferrum  is  useful  in  cases  of  abortion  accompanied  by 
fever,  pains  like  those  of  labor,  and  discliarge  of  blood. 

Nux  vomica  and  Bryonia  may  be  given  witli  advantage 
in  cases  attended  with  troublesome  constipation. 


DISEASES    OP    WOMEN.  347 

Flooding,  during  pregnancy,  or  at  delivery. 

When  an  accident  of  tliis  kind  occurs,  the  woman  sliould  lie  down 
quietly,  should  move  as  little  as  possible,  her  mind  be  kept  free  from  care, 
and  the  greatest  ijuietness  be  preserved  in  the  room  and  in  the  house.  At 
the  same  time  tie  handkerchiefs  around  the  upper  part  of  the  thighs,  silk 
ones  are  preferable;  also  around  the  upper  part  of  the  arms.  A  few 
mouthfuls  of  water,  and  if  the  face  becomes  pale,  with  fainting,  a  few  drcps 
of  wine  are  of  great  service. 

The  smelling  of  vinegar,  rubbing  it  on  the  nose,  temples,  etc.,  is  also 
beneficial,  only  take  care  not  to  deluge  the  patient  with  it,  but  only  take 
about  a  teaspoonful  in  your  hand,  or  dip  your  finger  into  it,  that  the  smell 
of  the  vinegar  may  afterwards  be  removed  with  facility.  In  long  continued 
flooding  with  females  of  more  advan.  cd  a-c,  w  hen  not  in  childbed,  it  is 
best  to  avoid  all  warm  drinks  for  a  year,  and  instead,  to  drink  milk  five  or 
six  times  a  day,  which  has  been  cooled  in  the  cellar,  or  is  a  little  soured. 
In  these  floodings,  it  is  necessary,  if  possible,  to  procure  a  homceopathic 
physician. 

During  pregnancy  or  after  delivery,  tincture  of  cinnamon  is  sometimes 
of  use;  put  a  drop  into  half  a  teacup  of  water,  stir  it  up  well,  and  give  a 
teaspoonful  as  often  as  the  hemorrhage  becomes  worse ;  this  remedy  may 
be  given  when  the  flooding  is  caused  by  lifting,  carrying,  over-reaching,  or 
a  false  step.  If  the  tincture  is  not  at  hand,  a  piece  of  cinnamon  may  be 
chewed.  If  this  does  not  soon  produce  a  salutory  efiect,  give  sugar,  and 
when  the  burning  sensation  has  passed,  Arnica. 

Arnica,  in  all  cases  arising  from  mechanical  injuries, 
such  as  a  fall,  blow,  lifting  or  carrying  heavy  weights, 
false  steps,  over-reaching,  etc. 

Ipecacuanha.  Very  copious  continued  flooding,  partic- 
ularly when  occurring  during  pregnancy;  the  blood  flow- 
ing regularly  without  interruption,  with  cutting  pains 
around  the  navel;  much  nausea;  great  pressure  and 
bearing-down;  chills  and  coldness  of  the  body;  feeling 
of  heat  rising  into  the  head ;  great  weakness  and  inclina- 
tion to  lie  down.  This  is  also  a  most  important  remedy 
in  flooding  after  delivery. 

Chamomilla  may  be  given  after  the  latter  remedy  when 
that  has  produced  little  or  no  inii)rovement,  or  when  the 
flooding  is  accompanied  by  pains  resembling  labor-pains. 

Bryonia,  when  dark  red  blood  is  discharged  in  great 
quantities,  with  violent  pre.ssive  pain  in  the  small  of  the 


348  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

back,  and  lieadache,  particularly  in  the  temples,  as  if  the 
head  would  burst;  and  constijmtion. 

Ctnchona  is  very  important  in  the  most  dangerous  cases ; 
when  heaviness  of  the  head,  giddiness,  loss  of  conscious- 
ness, and  drowsiness  appear ;  for  sudden  weakness,  fainting, 
coldness  of  the  extremities,  paleness  of  the  face,  convul- 
sions of  the  mouth,  contortions  of  the  eyes,  or  when  the 
face  and  hands  turn  blue,  or  single  jerks  pass  through 
the  whole  body.  Mobile  giving  this  remedy  the  abdomen 
may  be  rubbed  gentlj^,  or  cloths  dipped  into  vinegar  or 
water  applied  to  it,  and  a  few  drops  of  wine  may  be  given 
afterwards.  It  is  also  of  use  when  the  blood  escapes  by 
starts,  with  spasms  or  pains  like  labor-pains  in  the  womb, 
passing  to  the  anus;  the  discharge  increasing  with  every 
pain.  Likewise  when  accompanied  by  colic,  frequent 
urging  to  make  water,  and  sore  tension  of  the  abdomen. 
Cinchona  is  always  serviceable  for  the  debility  or  other 
troublesome  symptoms,  which  frequently  remain  after  the 
flooding  has  ceased. 

Hyoscyamus  for  flooding  attended  by  pains  resembling 
labor-pains,  with  drawing  in  the  thighs  and  small  of  the 
back,  or  in  the  limbs;  heat  over  the  whole  body,  ■with  a 
quick  or  full  pulse ;  swelling  of  the  veins  on  the  back  of 
the  hand  or  in  the  face;  great  uneasiness;  excessive  live- 
liness; trembling  over  the  whole  body,  or  numbness  of 
the  limbs;  loss  of  consciousness,  darkness  before  the  eyes; 
delirium;  twitching  in  the  sinews  or  in  the  muscles  of  the 
extremities;  jerking  in  one  or  the  other  of  the  limbs 
alternating  with  stiffness  of  the  joints. 

Belladonna,  when  the  blood  discharged  is  neither  par- 
ticularly dark,  nor  light  colored,  witli  pressure  in  the  pri- 
vates, as  if  everything  would  fall  out;  violent  pains  in  the 
small  of  the  back,  as  if  it  would  break;  pale  or  flushed 
face;  dulness;  heat  about  the  head;  palpitation  of  the 
heart  and  thirst. 

Flatina,  when  tlie  discharge  is  dark  and  thick,  but  not 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  349 

clotted;  the  pain  in  the  back  drawing  towards  the  groins, 
witli  pressing-down  internally  towards  the  genitals,  which 
are  excessively  sensitive.  This  remedy  is  particulai'ly 
applicable  to  cases  of  flooding  produced  by  any  violent 
mental  emotion. 

i^e?Tum,  when  the  blood  is  sometimes  black  and  clotted; 
at  others  liquid,  with  pains  like  labor-paiiis ;  the  face 
usually  red;  Cinchona  follows  Ferrum  advantageously. 

Apis  and  Nux  moschata ;  see  above,  under  "  Miscarriage." 

Preparation  of  the  Breasts. — By  paying  proper  attention  to  the 
breasts  before  confinement,  mothers  will  in  many  instances  save  themselves 
miuh  sufiering  after  delivery  from  sore  nipples,  gathered  breasts,  etc. 

As  inegnancy  progresses,  the  breasts  gradually  increase  in  size,  in  order 
to  lie  lilted  for  their  future  important  functions,  and  especially  in  the  first 
pregnuncy ;  the  parts  immediately  around  the  nipples  become  of  a  darker 
hue  and  the  nipples  themselves  larger  and  more  prominent.  This  devel- 
opment is  frequently  accompanied  with  more  or  less  pain  and  soreness. 
The  most  common  affections  to  which  the  nipples  are  subject,  are,  excoria- 
tion, cracks,  infiammation  and  scaly  eruptions.  Tlie  structure  of  the 
breasts  is  sometimes  irreparably  injured  by  ignorant  nurses  squeezing 
them  in  childhood  with  the  erroneous  notion  that  such  a  process  is  necessary 
to  expel  some  matter  ccmtained  in  them. 

Serious  injury,  also,  often  results  in  after  life  from  pressure  occasioned 
by  wearing  stays. 

For  several  weeks  previous  to  delivery  the  entire  breast  and  chest  should 
be  bathed  with  cold  water  daily,  and  afterwards  well  dried  and  rubbed  with 
coarse  towels.  If  there  is  tenderness  or  slight  excoriation,  much  benefit 
will  be  derived  from  bathing  with  diluted  tincture  of  Arnica,  or  brandy, 
twice  a  day.  When  a  high  degree  of  inflammation  of  the  nipples  exist, 
with  aching  or  acute  pains,  shooting  into  the  mamma,  the  internal  admin- 
istration of  Aconite  or  Chamomilla,  will  generally  atJbrd  relief.  In  some 
instances  Silicea  or  Sulphur  may  be  required. 

The  swelling,  burning,  itching,  cracks  and  eruptions  will  be  removed  by 
Lycopodium,  Mercurius,  Hepar  or  Sulphur. 

False  Pains. — Women  frequently  sufl:er  previously  to  the  setting-in  of 
labor,  with  what  is  termed  false  pains.  Generally  these  pains  precede 
labor  but  a  few  hours;  occasionally,  however,  they  come  on  some  days  or 
even  weeks  before  delivery. 

They  difl'er  from  labor  pains  chiefly  in  the  irregularity  of  their  recur- 
rence, in  being  unconnected  with  uterine  contractions,  and  principally  con- 
fined to  the  abdumen,  which  is  tender  to  pressure  and  movement,  and  in 


350  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

not  increasing  in  intensity  as  they  return.  In  some  instances  it  is  e.xceed- 
ingly  ditEcult  to  discriminate  between  them  and  genuine  labor  pains.  In 
such  cases  tlie  period  of  pregnancy  will  be  the  chief  guide ;  and  when  they 
come  on  a  week  or  two  before  labor  is  expected,  they  should  be  checked 
by  the  administration  of  a  suitable  remedy. 

The  e.xciting  causes  of  these  pains  are  congestion  of  blood  to  the  uterus, 
a  chill  aflecting  the  abdomen,  mental  emotions,  errors  in  diet,  clothing,  etc. 

Bryonia  is  most  suitable  when  the  symptoms  have  arisen 
in  consequence  of  a  fit  of  passion,  and  consist  of  pains  in 
the  abdomen,  followed  by  dragging  pains  in  tlie  back  and 
loins ;  constipation  and  irritable  temper.  They  are  aggra- 
vated by  motion. 

Nux  vomica  for  pains  in  the  abdomen  and  back,  like 
those  under  Bryonia,  also  when  there  are  pains  as  if  from 
a  bruise  in  the  region  of  the  pubes;  constipation.  The 
pains  occur  chiefly  at  night.  Ajiplicable  to  passionate 
persons,  and  esjsecially  when  the  exciting  cause  appears 
to  be  indulgence  in  stimulants,  such  as  highly  seasoned 
food,  wine,  coffee,  etc. 

Pulsatilla,  pains  in  the  abdomen  ;  pains  in  the  loins,  as 
if  from  continued  stooping,  with  a  feeling  of  stiffness  and 
painful  dragging  and  aching  in  the  thighs,  constipation 
or  diarrhoea ;  most  applicable  to  mild  tempered  persons, 
and  when  arising  from  eating  rich  or  fat,  indigestible  food. 

Dulcamara  wdien  the  pains  originate  from  cold,  the  effects 
of  chill  or  dampness,  and  are  acute  and  violent  in  their 
character,  and  seated  in  the  small  of  the  back ;  coming 
on  or  aggravated  at  night. 

Aconifum  is  most  suitable  for  young  persons  of  a  full 
hal)it;  when  the  pains  are  attended  with  a  full,  .strong 
and  frequent  pulse,  with  congestion  to  the  head,  flushed 
face  and  hot  skin. 

Belladonna  for  symptoms  similar  to  the  last,  and  after 
that  remedy ;  and  also  when  the  jxiins  are  spasmodic  in 
their  character. 


DISEASES   OF    WOMEN.  351 


LABOR.   CHILD-BIRTH. 

When  natural,  labor  generally  takes  place  at  the  end  of  the  ninth  month 
of  pregnancy.  The  pains  come  on  at  regular  intervals  of  longer  or  shorter 
duration,  gradually  increase  in  intensity,  and  the  whole  process  is  com- 
pleted in  from  four  to  six  hours.  Frequently,  however,  a  longer  time  is 
required,  the  suflerings  continuing  for  twenty-four  liours,  or  even  a  greater 
length  of  time;  and  in  other  instances  again,  the  labor  may  not  last  over 
lialf  an  hour  or  an  hour,  it  may  indeed  be  terniinated  by  two  or  three 
pains — though  these  later  instances  are  rare. 

The  ordinary  and  most  correct  mode  of  "  reckoning,"  to  fix  the  time  of 
labor,  is  from  the  last  menstrual  period — two  hundred  and  eighty  days,  or 
forty  weeks,  from  the  last  menstruation  to  labnr.  Other  modes,  which  are 
less  certain,  but  which  may  be  useful  in  as-istin;;  to  form  a  reckoning  in 
cases  in  which  there  is  any  uncert.iiiuy  mIliiu  the  last  menstrual  period, 
are:  the  commencement  of  morning  siikiu^s,  wliich  generally  sets  in  about 
six  weeks  after  conception,  and  quickening,  which  usually  takes  place  at 
four  anil  a  half  months,  or  twenty  weeks  from  conception.  Towards  the 
latter  end  of  j^regnancy  the  child  sinks  lower  down  in  tlie  abdomen,  and 
the  woman  becomes  smaller  round  the  waist  than  she  had  been  for  some 
weeks  previously. 

Labor  is  often  preceded  by  agitation,  nervous  tremblings,  disposition  to 
shed  tears,  lowness  of  spirits,  etc.  Looseness  of  the  bowels  for  a  day  or  two 
before  labor,  is  also  a  common  symptom  and  should  not  be  interferetl  with. 
Mying  pains  tlirough  the  abdomen,  and  frequent  inclination  to  pass  water, 
followed  by  a  slight'  discharge  of  reddish  mucus  called  "a  show,"  usher  in 
the  regular  labor  pains. 

Were  it  not  for  the  acquired  habits  of  civilized  life,  such  as  tight-lacing, 
improper  diet,  want  of  proper  air  and  exercise,  etc.,  we  would  find  child- 
bearing  to  be  comparatively  free  from  the  suflering  and  danger  which  now 
so  commonly  accompany  it. 

It  is  attended  almost  without  pain  among  savage  tribes ;  and  those  healthy, 
regular  women  among  us,  who  pay  more  attention  to  the  natural  develop- 
ment of  their  frames  than  they  do  to  forming  what  some  call  "  a  fine  figure," 
are  seldom  afihcted  with  the  long  train  of  ills,  whicli  custom  has  almost  led 
us  to  consider  the  natural  concomitants  of  child-bearing. 

Protr-^cted  LABOR.S. — Cases  frequently  occur  in  which  labor  is  pro- 
tracted much  beyond  the  usual  period,  or  is  attended  with  a  great  deal  of 
sutfering;  such  labors  are  more  likely  to  take  place  with  women  in  their 
first  confinement,  who  are  already  somewhat  advanced  in  life,  and  those  of 
a  slender  form  and  highly  nervous  and  sensitive  habit. 

The  sufferings  in  these  cases  may  be  greatly  alleviated  by  having  re- 
course to  the  following  medicines: 


352  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

Coffea  will  generally  j^rove  serviceable  when  the 
are  ineffectual  and  extremely  violent,  following  each  other 
in  quick  succession,  and  attended  by  great  agitation,  rest- 
lessness and  tossing  about. 

Aconitum  when  the  above  remedy  is  insufficient,  or 
when  the  patient  has  been  in  the  habit  of  drinking  coffee 
frequently  as  a  beverage. 

Chamomilla,  after  the  above,  if  required,  especially  if 
there  is  great  mental  excitement ;  excessive  sensibility  to 
pain ;  anguish  and  discouragement. 

Belladonna  will  be  of  great  value  in  tedious  cases  of  la- 
bor arising  from  a  rigid  or  unyielding  state  of  the  parts, 
which  is  most  liable  to  occur  in  the  first  labor  of  elderly 
women ;  and  especially  so  when  this  rigidity  appears  to 
be  owing  to  spasms  of  the  neck  of  the  uterus.  {Gelsemium 
is  also  useful  in  this  state  of  affairs.)  This  remedy  is  also 
useful  when  the  labor-pains  become  feeble  or  cease  entirely, 
after  having  been  extremely  violent  for  some  hours. 

Niix  niiiiivd  wlien  the  labor  is  protracted  from  the  irregu- 
larity ami  iiisiitticiency  of  the  pains,  and  there  is  constant 
ineliuatinii  t(.i  evacuate  the  bladder  and  rectum. 

Nuz  moschata  if  the  pains  are  very  irregular,  like  cramps, 
not  strong ;  and  if  the  woman  has  taken  cold  and  has  a 
cool,  dry  skin. 

Opium  should  be  given,  if  the  pains  cease  .suddenly,  and 
congestion  of  blood  to  the  head,  with  redness  of  the  face, 
stupor  and  snoring  take  place. 

Pulsatilla  when  the  pains  are  feeble,  and  occur  at  long 
intervals,  or  when  they  diminish  in  strength  and  fre- 
quency as  if  from  insufficient  contractile  power  in  the 
uterus  ;  when  the  labor  pains  are  attended  by  spasms  of 
the  stomach  and  vomiting,  or  with  acute  pains  in  the 
back  and  loins,  and  painful  drawing  sensation  in  the 
thighs. 

Secale  will  be  beneficial  in  cases  similar  to  the  latter, 
when  that  remedy  has  not  proved  efficient  in  increasing 
the  activity  of  the  uterine  contractions. 


DISEASES   OF   WOMEN.  353 

During  the  progress  of  labor,  the  use  of  drugs  and  stimulants  of  every 
kind  should  be  carefully  avoided,  as  they  all  prove  more  or  less  injurious. 
(Spirituous  liquors  are  objectionable  on  account  of  their  accelerating  the 
circulation,  and  thereby  increasing  the  danger  of  too  great  hemorrhage; 
chamomile  tea,  from  its  tendency  to  jjroduce  metrorrhagia;  coffee,  from  its 
•  causing  high  nervous  excitement;  opium  retards  delivery  by  its  sedative 
property ;  and  all  drugs  are  in  fact  more  or  less  of  a  stimulating  or  irrita- 
tive nature,  and  therefore  objectionable. 

Spasmodic  Pains,  Cramps  and  Convulsions. — In  complicated  labors 
we  occasionally  find  spasmodic  pains  set  in,  which  cause  considerable 
suflering,  and  often  materially  retard  the  delivery.  For  these  afl'ectioas 
the  following  remedies  will  be  most  efficient : 

Chamomilla  if  there  are  very  acute  pains,  mostly  of  a 
cutting  description,  extending  from  the  region  of  the  loins 
to  the  hypogastrium,  and  attended  with  spasmodic  con- 
vulsions, redness  of  the  face,  particularly  of  one  cheek, 
with  great  sensitiveness  of  the  nervous  system,  and  ex- 
citement. 

Belladonna  when  there  are  excessively  violent  bearing- 
down  pains,  attended  with  convulsive  movements  of  the 
limbs ;  great  agitation  and  constant  tossing ;  congestion 
to  the  head,  with  throbbing  and  distension  of  the  blood- 
vessels ;  red  and  bloated  face,  and  profuse  sweating. 

Hr/oscyamus  for  severe  convulsions  with  loss  of  conscious- 
ness, great  anguish  and  cries,  with  oppression  of  the  chest. 

Strawonium.  for  trembling  of  the  limbs,  and  convulsions 
without  loss  of  consciousness. 

Ignatia  when  there  is  a  confused  feeling  in  the  head ; 
spasmodic  and  compressive  pains,  with  sensation  of  suffo- 
cation ;  convulsions. 

Ipecacuanha,  spasmodic  convulsions ;  paleness  or  bloated- 
ness  of  the  face ;  nausea  or  vomiting. 

Cocculus,  cramps  or  convulsions  of  the  limbs  or  whole 
body;  cramps  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  with 
heat,  redness,  and  puffiness  of  the  face. 


23 


354  DISEASES    OF    WOMEN. 


TREATMENT  AFTER  DELIVERY. 

The  patient  sliould  be  kept  perfectly  quiet,  both  in  body  and  mind,  after 
delivery ;  everything  which  may  have  a  tendency  to  excite  her,  such  as 
noise,  strong  light  and  odors,  even  loud  talking,  should  be  carefully  guarded 
against.  After  the  lapse  of  an  hour  or  two,  if  no  untoward  symptoms  exist, 
she  may  be  "changed,"  and  "have  her  bed  made."  A  bandage  may  be 
applied  immediately  after  delivery,  and  without  disturbing  the  patient. 

If  the  labor  has  been  at  all  difficult,  and  the  patient 
complains  of  general  soreness,  a  few  doses  of  Arnica  may 
be  administered. 

Much  benefit  will  also  be  derived,  in  case  there  is  much 
local  pain  or  sorenesss,  from  the  external  application  of  a 
lotion  prepared  b}^  mixing  about  twenty  drops  of  the 
Tincture  of  Arnica  in  half  a  tumbler  of  water. 

The  nervous  excitement  which  is  apt  to  follow  delivery, 
and  prevent  the  patient  from  procuring  the  sleep  she  so 
much  needs,  will  generally  be  removed  by  a  dose  or  two 
of  Coffea,  or,  should  it  fail  and  any  febrile  symptoms  be 
present,  Aconitum  will  usually  suflice. 

Flooding  after  Delivery. — Directions  for  the  appro- 
priate treatment  of  this  affection  will  be  found  under  the 
heading  of  "  Flooding." 

The  medicines  of  most  value  are  Cinchona,  CJiamomilla, 
Crocus,  Platina,  Belladonna,  and  Tincture  of  Cinnamon. 

Apter-Pains. — Very  few  females  escape  the  suffering  occasioned  by 
these  extremely  annoying  pains,  although  they  are  of  rare  occurrence  with 
first  children.  Generally  they  become  more  and  more  severe  after  each 
successive  labor ;  and  in  some  women  of  nervous  temperament,  who  have 
borne  several  children,  they  are  very  distressing,  while  others  niay  have  a 
number  of  children  and  never  e.xperience  any  suffering  of  consequence 
from  them. 

In  most  instances,  the  administration  of  one  or  more  of  the  following 
remedies  will  greatly  relieve,  or  remove  them  entirely. 

Arnica,  when  the  pains  are  not  very  violent,  and  are 
accompanied  with  a  feeling  of  soreness,  with  pres.'^uro  on 
the  bladder  and  retention  of  urine. 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  355 

Chamoniilla,  if  Arnica  proves  insufficient,  and  the  pa- 
tient is  nervous  and  excitable,  witli  great  restlessness,  toss- 
ing about,  etc. 

.  Nux  vomica,  after  Chamoniilla,  will  often  be  serviceable, 
especially  when  the  pains  are  of  an  aching  or  of  a  violent 
colicky  description,  and  occur  in  choleric  persons. 

Coffea  is  valuable  when  there  is  nervous  excitement  and 
the  pain  is  exceedingly  violent  in  its  character,  or  when 
the  pains  are  followed  by  convulsions,  with  coldness  and 
rigidity  of  the  body. 

Pulsatilla  is  indicated  in  persons  of  a  mild  and  gentle 
disposition,  when  the  pains  do  not  return  very  frequently, 
but  are  protracted  and  continue  for  several  days. 

Belladonna  will  be  useful  in  cases  attended  with  much 
bearing-down ;  fulness  about  the  head ;  disposition  to  sleep ; 
tenderness  and  fulness  of  the  abdomen. 

Secale  for  very  weak  women,  who  have  borne  many  chil- 
dren ;  great  exhaustion ;  complains  of  burning  heat  and 
cannot  bear  warmth. 

DuRATiox  OF  Confinement. — The  mother  should  re- 
main in  bed  for  the  first  five  or  six  daj-s  after  delivery ; 
after  that  she  may  rise  daily  and  sit  up  awhile,  at  first 
not  longer  than  while  her  bed  is  making,  but  gradually 
for  a  longer  time. 

The  diet  during  this  time  should  be  light  but  nutri- 
tious, consisting  chiefly  of  gruel,  panada,  farina,  toast, 
milk,  broths,  eggs,  and,  after  a  few  days,  mutton  chops 
or  beef  steak  may  be  allowed ;  and  everything  stimulat- 
ing, both  food  and  drinks,  and  all  strong  odors  from  flow- 
ers or  other  aromatic  substances  should  be  scrupulously 
avoided. 

The  first  ten  days  should  be  mostly  spent  in  bed,  or  at 
least  in  a  half-recumbent  posture,  during  which  time  bui 
few  visitors  should  be  admitted.  After  this  period,  if  the 
woman  feels  pretty  strong,  slie  may  walk  about  her  room, 


356  DISEASES   OF    WOMEN. 

but  should  not  leave  it  before  the  expii;ation  of  the  second 
week  ;  and  ought  not  to  attempt  to  go  up  or  down  stairs 
until  the  end  of  the  third  week  after  confinement.  Some 
women  may  be  allowed  to  go  about  sooner  than  we  have 
mentioned,  whilst  others  require  a  longer  period  to  re- 
cover from  the  effects  of  their  confinement,  but  the  physi- 
cian will  be  able  to  judge  when  it  is  prudent  to  allow  his 
■patient  to  resume  her  ordinary  mode  of  life. 

Irregularities  op  the  Lochial  Discharge. — The  discharges  which 
take  place  after  confinement,  are  culled  lochia,  and  vary  considerably  in 
different  females,  sometimes  they  are  thin  and  scanty,  and  cease  in  a  few 
days,  at  otliers  they  continue  for  several  weclvs,  ami  are  si>  pmlusL-  as  ahnost 
to  amount  to  a  hemorrhage.  In  the  majority  of  instances,  liuwevcr,  ihey 
cease  about  the  tenth  day.  In  color  and  consistence  tliey  at  first  resemble 
menstruation,  but  gradually  grow  lighter  colored,  lose  tlie  redness  entirely, 
and  become  successively  yellowisli  and  wliitisli  liefore  their  final  cessation. 

When  this  discharge  continues  too  long,  or  is  too  profuse,  and  also  when 
it  is  checked  suddenly,  or  suppressed  from  exposure  to  cold,  errors  of  diet, 
or  other  cause,  medical  assistance  is  required. 

Orocus  is  indicated  when  the  discharge  is  too  long-con- 
tinued in  too  great  quantitj^  and  consists  of  dark  colored 
or  black  blood  of  viscid  consistency. 

Aconitum  is  also  valuable  in  too  profuse  locliial  dis- 
charges of  a  deep  red  color,  and  will  frequently  be  found 
sufficient  of  itself  to  check  them  in  tAvo  or  three  days  with- 
out the  administration  of  any  other  remedies. 

Should  Aconitum  be  insufficient,  Calcarea  carbonica  may 
follow  it  with  advantage,  especially  if  the  discharge  be  at- 
tended with  a  sensation  of  itching  in  the  uterus. 
•  Bryonia  will  be  beneficial  in  cases  of  suppressed  lochia, 
accompanied  by  headache ;  fulness  and  heaviness  in  the 
h(>a(l,  with  pressure  in  the  forehead  and  temples ;  throb- 
bing in  the  head,  aching  in  tlio  small  of  the  back,  and 
scanty  discharge  of  urine.  It  is  also  useful  when  the 
lochia  are  too  profuse  in  quantity  and  of  a  deep  red  color, 
with  internal  burning  pains  in  the  region  of  the  uterus. 

Pulsatilla  will  be  most  serviceable  for  sudden  suppres- 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEX.  357 

sion  of  the  lochia,  from  mental  emotions,  exposure  to 
dampness,  or  any  accidental  cause,  particularly  if  it  is  fol- 
lowed by  fever  either  with  or  without  thirst;  headache 
confined  to  one  side ;  coldness  of  the  feet ;  frequent  desire 
to  pass  water.  The  symptoms  are  generally  worse  towards 
evening,  and  better  in  the  morning.  This  remedy  is  also 
useful  when  the  discharge  is  too  scanty  without  being  en- 
tirely suppressed. 

Dulcamara  will  be  useful  in  cases  of  suppression  occa- 
sioned by  exposure  to  cold  or  dampness,  and  may  either 
precede  or  follow  Pulsatilla  advantageously. 

Opium  and  also  Aconitum,  have  been  recommended  for 
suppression  arising  from  fright,  and  attended  by  conges- 
tion to  the  head. 

PlaUna  for  suppression  consequent  upon  some  mental 
emotion,  and  accompanied  by  dryness  and  over-sensitive- 
ness of  the  sexual  organs. 

Belladonna  will  be  serviceable  when  the  discharge  con- 
tinues too  long  and  becomes  thin  and  ofiensive,  producing 
excoriation  of  the  parts. 

Secale  has  also  been  recommended  under  the  same  cir- 
cumstances. 

Milk  Fever. — Usually  about  twelve  or  twenty-four  hours  after  delivery, 
milk  makes  its  appearance;  it  may,  however,  be  present  at  the  time  of,  or 
even  previous  to  delivery,  or  it  may  not  appear  until  a  later  period  than 
the  third  day.  The  coming  of  this  secretion  is  frequently  attended  l)y  so 
much  suffering  as  to  require  medical  attention.  The  following  medicines 
will  be  found  useful,  when  administered  according  tu  the  indications  men- 
tioned under  each. 

^fr/u'cfl,  given  internally  and  the  dihited  tincture  apjilied 
to  the  breast  in  the  form  of  a  lotion  once  or  twice  a  day, 
will  be  beneficial  when  there  is  much  distension,  with 
soreness  or  hardness. 

Aconihim  if  there  is  much  fever,  with  hot,  dry  skin ;  red- 
ness of  the  face;  breasts  hard  and  knotted;  restlessness; 
anxietv  and  discouragement. 


358  DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 

Bryonia  after  the  latter,  when  the  symptoms  have  been 
but  partly  removed  by  that  remedy,  and  especially  if 
there  is  oppression  of  the  chest,  violent  paiu  iu  the  head, 
and  constipation. 

Belladonna  may  be  given  after  Bryonia,  when  the  latter 
has  not  been  sufficient  to  remove  the  symptoms  entirely. 

Chamomilla  will  have  the  preference  when  there  is 
much  nervous  excitement,  with  restlessness;  tenderness 
of  the  breasts,  and  inflamed  nipples. 

Pulsatilla,  in  severe  cases,  when  there  is  great  distension 
of  the  breasts,  with  soreness  and  rheumatic  pains  extend- 
ing to  the  muscles  of  the  chest,  shoulders,  under  the  arms, 
etc.  A  timely  administration  of  this  remedy  will,  in  many 
instances,  prevent  a  threatened  attack  of  child-bed  fever. 

Bhus  toxicodendron,  in  cases  similar  to  the  latter,  with 
rheumatic  pains  throughout  the  system;  swelling,  heat, 
and  hardness  of  the  breasts;  headache;  stifihess  of  the 
joints,  and  genei-al  constitutional  disturbance. 

A  common  and  good  local  application  to  the  lireasts,  is  to  bathe  them 
with  hot  lard  and  afterwards  cover  tlieni  with  raw  cotton. 

Suppressed  Secretion  of  Milk.— When  from  sudden  and  powerful 
mental  emotions,  exposure  to  cold  or  dampness,  or  any  cause  whatever,  the 
secretion  of  milk  has  been  suddenly  checked  and  is  foUowetl  by  some  in- 
ternal or  local  congestion,  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  and  the 
usual  train  of  symptoms  which  constitute  child-bed  fever,  the  immediate 
administration  of  Pulsatilla  will  frequently  be  found  sufficient  to  check  the 
disease  at  the  outset  and  restore  the  How  of  milk.  If  any  unpleasant  symp- 
toms still  remain,  they  will  in  most  cases  yield  to  the  administration  of 
Calcarea  carbonica.  If  real  fever,  dry,  hot  skin,  quick,  hard  pulse,  etc., 
makes  its  appearance,  Aeonitum  should  be  given,  until  some  amelioration 
of  the  symptoms  takes  place. 

In  some  cases  Bryonia,  Belladonna,  Rhus,  Arsenicum  or  Sulphur  may  be 
called  for. 

Excessive  Secretion  of  Milk.— It  sometimes  happens  that  the  secre- 
tion of  milk  is  too  abundant,  causing  painful  distension  of  the  breasts  and 
involuntary  emission  of  milk,  followed  by  emaciation  and  debility.  In 
cases  of  this  description,  Calcarea  carbonica  will  generally  give  relief,  or  if 
it  should  !aH,  Phosphorus  or  Bhus. 

Involuntary  Emission  of  Milk. — Occasionally  females  are  very  much 
annoyed  for  some  time  after  confinement  by  the  constant  escape  of  the 


DISEASES   OP    WOMEN.  359 

milk,  which  keeps  them  continually  wet,  and  makes  tliem  very  liable  to 
take  cold  on  tlie  slightest  exposure. 

Unless  it  is  owing  to  some  organic  delect  of  the  nipple,  tlie  following 
remedies  will  generally  relieve  it. 

Cinchona  when  it  is  caused  by  debility  from  loss  of  iluids. 

RJhix  if  from  over-distension  in  consequence  of  excessive  secretion  of 
milk. 

Catcarea  carbonica,  or  Pulsatilla,  may  abso  be  useful  in  some  instances. 

Dl,vreh<ea  during  Confinemest. — Diarrhoea  in  lying-in-women  is  a 
state  to  be  looked  on  as  highly  injurious,  and  means  should  be  taken  to 
remove  it  as  speedily  as  possible. 

Dulcamara  will  generally  bo  siiffieient,  when  the  diar- 
rhoea has  been  caused  by  a  check  of  perspiration,  pro- 
duced by  chill  from  exposure  to  cold  or  dampness ;  if  the 
diarrhoea  is  worse  in  the  afternoon  or  at  night,  the  pains 
cease  after  an  evacuation. 

Pulsatilla  if  accompanied  by  much  ineffectual  straining, 
if  it  makes  the  parts  sore,  or  if  there  is  only  a  discharge 
of  mucus  with  pain  in  the  anus,  chilliness ;  the  diarrhoea 
occui-s  mostly  in  the  night,  or  early  in  the  morning. 

Rheum  if  the  stools  smell  sour  or  fetid ;  if  there  is  much 
straining  and  pain  after  an  evacuation;  mostly  towards 
night ;  if  there  is  great  weakness  and  fear  of  death. 

Aniimonium  cnidum,  if  worse  in  the  night  and  early  in 
the  morning ;  tongue  coated  white,  with  eructations ;  for 
women,  who  are  easily  moved,  or  who  are  morose. 

Secale  for  offensive,  verj'  weakening  diarrhoea. 

Pfiosphoric  acid,  in  obstinate,  protracted  cases,  when  the 
discharge  is  watery,  or  painless  and  almost  involuntary. 

See  also,  for  other  remedies  which  may  be  required,  tlie  article  "  Diar- 
rhoea," in  a  preceding  chapter. 

CoNSTiP.iTioN. — It  is  natural  for  the  bowels  to  remain  inactive  for  a  few 
days  after  delivery,  and  nothing  sliould  be  given  to  disturb  this  state,  as  it 
is  at  all  times  a  good  symptom  and  serves  to  promote  the  strength  of  the 
patient.  Purgative  medicines  should  in  no  case  be  given  during  confine- 
ment, as  they  can  do  no  good  whatever,  and  are  often  highly  injurious  to 
the  patient.  If,  after  the  lapse  of  five  or  six  days,  the  patient  complains 
of  fulness  of  the  head  or  pain  in  tlic  bowcl.s,  a  dose  or  two  of  Brynnia  will 


360 


DISEASES   OF   WOMEN. 


generally  bring  about  an  evacuation  and  aflTord  relief.  Should  this  be  in- 
sufficient, Nux  vomica,  Sulphur,  or  some  other  of  the  remedies  recomnieuded 
under  "Constipation,"  may  be  given.  If  after  waiting  a  day  or  two,  no 
evacuation  takes  place,  give  an  injection  of  lukewarm  water. 

Ketention  of  Urine.— Sometimes  after  delivery,  particularly  with 
first  children  and  in  difficult  labors,  there  is  retention  <jr  painful  emission 
of  urine.  The  administration  of  one  of  the  following  remedies  will  gener- 
ally aflbrd  relief:  Arnica,  PuUaliUa,  Cepa,  Belladonna  or  Nux  vomica.  See 
Chap.  X.  Sitting  over  a  pan  which  contains  warm  water,  will  often  have 
the  desired  effect. 

Sore  Nipples. — The  chief  difficulty  in  the  way  of  healing  sore  nipples, 
arises  from  their  being  constantly  torn  open  afresh  by  the  efforts  of  the 
child  in  sucking. 

In  the  majority  of  cases,  if  proper  attention  is  paid  to  the  preparation  of 
the  breasts  previous  to  confinement,  by  bathing  them  with  cold  water,  or  a 
•weak  solution  of  Tincture  of  Arnica,  as  recommended  under  the  heading  of 
"  Preparation  of  the  Breasts,"  this  soreness  may  be  prevented. 

When,  however,  there  is  a  tendency  to  tenderness  and  excoriation,  the 
internal  administration  of  Arnica,  and  bathing  the  nipples  with  a  solution 
consisting  of  about  ten  drops  of  the  Tincture  of  Arnica  to  half  a  tumbler  of 
■water,  several  times  daily,  will  mostly  remove  it.  Should  this  be  insuffi- 
cient, it  will  be  necessary  to  resort  to  Sulphur,  Cakarea  carbonica,  or  some 
other  remedies  calculated  to  correct  the  constitutional  taint  to  which  this 
disease  generally  owes  its  origin. 

Washing  the  nipples  with  cold  water  every  time  the  child  has  taken  the 
breast,  and  then  sprinkling  them  with  powdered  gum  Arabic,  or  still  better 
with  finely  powdered  white  sugar,  will  be  found  very  beneficial. 

Sulphur,  when  the  nipples  are  sore  and  chapped,  with  deep  fissures 
around  the  base,  which  bleed  and  burn  like  fire. 

Calcarea  in  cases  similar  to  Sulphur,  when  the  latter  fails  to  relieve. 

Nux  vomica  for  soreness  of  .the  nipples  with  painful  excoriation  of  the 
adjacent  parts. 

In  obstinate  cases,  Lycopodium,  Mercurius  and  Silicea  will  be  found 
valuable. 

Gathered  Breasts. — Inflammation  and  suppuration  of  the  breasts  are 
liable  to  occur  during  the  whole  period  of  nnrsins,  and  may  arise  from 
numerous  causes,  such  as  cold,  passion,  friLrlit,  lirnisc,  etc.  Putting  the 
child  too  late  to  the  breast,  or  the  sudden  sto|'p;ii.'o  n|  surkling — from  death 
of  the  child  or  other  reasons — frequently  on  :l^i■lns  distension  of  the  breast 
followed  by  inflammation  and  formation  of  abscesses. 

The  most  eft'ectual  means  of  preventing  suppuration  is  to  keep  the  breasts 
well  drawn;  if  the  child  is  unable  to  do  this,  nipple-glasses,  a  common 
tobacco  pipe,  or  still  better  the  lips  of  the  nurse,  or  another  adult  person, 
should  be  made  use  uf. 


DISEASES    OF    WOMEN.  3G1 

Brijotiia  is  the  iiriiR-ipul  remedy  in  the  comniencemeiit, 
especially  when  the  breasts  become  swollen,  luird,  and  feel 
heavy,  with  shooting  pains,  dry  skin,  thirst,  and  other  fe- 
brile symptoms. 

Belladonna,  after  Bryonia,  when  there  is  much  swelling 
and  hardness  of  the  breasts ;  shooting  and  tearing  pains, 
and  redness  of  the  skin,  sometimes  like  erysipelas.  These 
two  remedies  will  gi'nerally  be  siitlicient  to  effect  a  cure; 
if,  however,  some  degree  of  liardness  still  remains  Mercur- 
ius  should  be  given,  and  repeated  a  few  times,  at  intervals 
of  ten  or  twelve  hours. 

Hepar  when  suppuration  has  already  commenced,  which 
may  be  known  by  the  appearance  of  throbbings,  frequently 
preceded  by  a  chill. 

Silicea  in  cases  in  which  the  discharge  becomes  fetid, 
thin  and  watery,  and  comes  from  several  openings,  which 
are  not  disposed  to  heal.     Phytolacca  in  similar  cases. 

Sulphur  in  inveterate  cases,  when  there  is  profuse  dis- 
charge of  matter,  with  emaciation,  fever,  etc. 

Weakness  from  Nursing. — If  tlie  mother  cannot  sleep  well,  feels  bad 
in  the  raorninff,  has  no  appetite,  or  perspires  much,  commences  to  cough, 
and  is  very  sensitive  to  the  least  breath  of  air,  give  Cinchona.  Her  food 
ought  to  be  altered  too,  she  must  eat  grits  made  of  barley  or  oats,  chocolate 
and  particidarly  lentils.  If  her  breath  begins  to  smell  feverisli,  she  ought 
to  eat  sago,  arrow-root  or  similar  things  with  sugar  and  drink  a  little  wine, 
especially  in  the  morning  and  evening.  She  should  take  something  nour- 
ishing early  in  the  morning  and  between  meals.  The  child  nuist  not  be 
kept  at  the  brea.st  the  whole  night,  it  should  be  accustomed  to  sleep  anil 
nurse  at  certain  regular  times. 

Falling  off  of  the  Hair. — Some  females,  while  nursing,  suffer  from 
a  falling  off  of  the  hair  of  the  head. 

The  following  remedies  will  be  found  useful;  Sulphur,  Lycopodium  or 
Calcarea. 


362  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

CHAPTER    XLl. 
TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

RECEPTION  AT  BIRTH. 

When  the  child  is  born  hefore  tlie  arrival  of  the  physician,  it  should  be 
romoved  a  little  out  of  the  discharges,  so  as  to  enable  it  to  breathe  freely ; 
and  if  the  cord  is  coiled  around  the  neck,  limbs,  or  any  part  of  the  Ixwly,  it 
should  be  immediately  disengaged,  in  order  that  the  circulation  between 
the  mother  and  child  may  not  be  obstructed  before  respiration  is  fully  es- 
tablished in  the  latter.  The  mouth  and  nostrils  should  also  be  cleansed 
from  mucus;  the  readiest  method  of  doing  this  is  with  a  piece  of  fine  linen 
or  muslin,  wrapped  round  the  finger.  If,  after  these  things  are  attended 
to,  the  child  begins  to  cry  strongly,  and  the  skin  changes  from  a  dull,  or 
leaden  liue  to  a  pink  or  rose  color,  there  is  no  further  cause  for  alarm,  as 
both  mother  and  child  may  remain  in  this  condition  without  danger. 

As  soon  as  the  respiration  of  the  child  is  fully  established,  and  the  pul- 
sations in  the  cord  have  ceased,  the  child  may  be  removed  from  the  mother, 
provided  there  is  any  person  at  hand  willing  to  undertake  it. 

The  cor<l  should  be  tied  in  two  places,  the  first  ligature  at  about  an  inch 
and  a  half  from  the  abdomen  of  the  cliild,  the  second  three-fourths  of  an 
inch  from  the  first,  and  the  cord  cut  between  the  two,  using  for  this  pur- 
pose a  pair  of  scissors.  The  best  ligature  is  one  made  of  sewing  thread,  by 
twisting  several  threads  together;  a  piece  of  narrow  tape,  however,  or 
round  bobbin,  sufficiently  strong,  will  answer.  It  shoidd  be  passed  but 
once  around  the  cord,  tied  firmly  in  a  hard  knot,  and  the  ends  cut  off. 

The  child  may  then  be  taken  up,  by  placing  one  hand  under  the  head 
and  shoulders,  and  taking  hold  of  the  feet  with  the  other,  and  wrapped  in 
a  blanket  or  sheet  moderately  warmed  and  prepared  for  this  purpose. 


APPARENT  DEATH. 

In  case  the  new-born  infant  does  not  breathe  in  a  few  minutes  after  de- 
livery, and  is  apparently  dead,  means  should  be  immediately  taken  to 
revive  it.  The  body  and  limbs  should  be  wrapped  in  warm  cloths — flannel 
is  preferable— and  the  hands  and  the  chest  gently  rubbed  with  a  piece  of 
flannel.  If,  after  a  short  time,  pulsation  can  be  felt  in  the  cord,  and  the 
beatings  of  the  child's  heart  become  perceptible,  res])iration  will  soon  be 
fully  established,  and  nothing  more  need  be  done.  But  if,  after  continuing 
these  efforts  for  five  or  ten  minutes,  no  pulsation  can  be  felt,  tlie  cord 
should  be  cut,  and  the  child  immersed  in  a  very  warm  bath,  being  careful 
to  kccii  the  face  out  of  the  water.     In  tills  liath  rub  and  wiiiueze  the  chest 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  6b6 

and  limbs  gently.  Much  benefit  will  also  frequently  be  derived  from 
placing  the  mouth  over  the  child's  moulh,  and  blowing  gently  so  as  to 
inflate  the  lungs,  closing  the  child's  nostrils  at  the  same  time  between  the 
thumb  and  finger,  to  prevent  the  air  from  passing  out  through  the  nose. 
Care  should  be  taken  not  to  force  too  much  air  into  the  child's  lungs  at 
once,  lest  they  be  injured.  After  the  lungs  are  filled,  the  chest  should  be 
compressed  gently  with  the  hands,  or  by  drawing  upon  the  ends  of  a  nap- 
kin which  has  been  previously  wrapped  round  it,  to  expel  the  air.  These 
eflbrts  should  be  repeated  several  times,  allowing  a  few  moments  to  elapse 
between  each.  If  no  signs  of  animation  are  manifested  after  five  or  ten 
minutes,  dissolve  about  as  much  tartar  emetic  as  will  lie  on  the  point  of  a 
penknife  in  half  a  tumbler  of  water,  and  after  stirring  it  well,  apply  a 
single  drop  of  the  mixture  to  the  tongue  of  the  child,  with  the  point  of  the 
finger.  If  you  have  the  third  or  higher  trituration  dissolve  a  few  pellets 
of  these  in  water  as  they  will  answer  still  better.  If  no  relief  occurs  in 
fifteen  minutes,  repeat  the  experiment  again.  If  no  change  takes  place 
after  ten  to  fifteen  minutes,  put  one  teaspoonful  of  the  mixture  into  a  cupful 
of  warm  water,  and  use  it  as  an  injection.  Sometimes  putting  the  infant, 
alternately,  into  hot  and  cold  water  a  few  times  is  of  great  use. 

Infants  liave  sometimes  been  restored  after  laboring  with  them  for  two 
or  three  hours ;  we  should  not,  therefore,  give  up  our  eflbrts  at  restoratifm 
too  soon,  as  they  may  ultimately  be  successful. 


WASHING  THE  CHILD. 

This  should  be  done  immediately  after  birth,  using  for  the  purpose  luke- 
warm water,  a  flannel  wash-rag,  and  but  a  small  portion  of  fine  (white) 
soap.  The  white  unctuous  substance,  which  to  a  greater  or  less  extent 
covers  the  body  of  every  new-born  child,  and  which  adheres  with  great 
tenacity,  is  best  removed  by  rubbing  the  parts  covered  with  it,  previous  to 
wa.shing,  freely  with  hog's  lard,  until  the  two  substances  become  thoroughly 
mixed.  After  the  child  has  been  well  washed,  it  should  be  wiped  perfectly 
dry  with  a  fine  napkin. 

The  practice  of  bathing  children  with  spirits  is  liighly  reprehensible, 
and  should  in  all  cases  be  prohibited.  Intemperance,  and  blunted  moral 
sensibilities  in  after  life  have  their  foundations  frequently  laid  in  infancy 
by  the  improper  use  of  alcoholic  liquors. 

The  child  should  be  bathed  at  least  once  a  day;  at  first  with  lukewarm 
water,  gradually  lowering  the  temperature,  and  after  a  few  weeks  using 
cool  water. 

DRESSING  THE  NAVEL. 

The  prdiHT  method  of  dressing  the  navel  is  to  fold  a  piece  of  .soft  linen 
or  muslin  into  fuur  or  six  thicknesses,  making  it  six  or  eight  inches  long 


6bi  TREATMENT  OP  INFANTS. 

and  three  or  four  wide.  A  hole  is  to  be  made  through  the  centre  of  this, 
and  the  cord  passed  through.  The  cord  shouUl  then  be  tightly  wrapped 
with  repeated  turns  of  a  narrow  strip  of  linen  or  muslin,  and  laid  up 
towards  the  chest  of  the  child,  and  the  lower  end  of  the  linen  or  muslin 
folded  over  it,  and  the  whole  lightly  secured  by  the  belly-band,  which 
should  always  be  made  of  a  strip  of  fine  flannel.  The  cord  usually  comes 
off  from  the  fifth  to  the  eighth  day. 


THE  MECONIUM. 

The  first  evacuation  from  the  infant's  bowels  consists  of  a  dark  bottle- 
green  colored  substance,  called  meconium.  Generally  the  bowels  are  moved 
a  few  hours  after  birtli,  and  require  no  artificial  aid:  the  milk  of  the 
mother  exciting  a  mechanical  action  in  the  bowels,  assists  in  eflecting  this 
object.  In  case,  however,  the  discharge  should  be  too  long  delayed,  and 
the  child  hefomc  uneasy  and  restless,  a  few  teaspoonfuls  of  warm  sugar  and 
water  m.iy  lir  uImmi  In  it,  wliich  will  generally  have  the  etlect  desired. 
Should  lliis  11. it  liu  suiruiuiil,  and  tlie-  rhild's  bowels  are  not  moved  as  freely 
or  as  freiiiiBiilly  as  they  ought  tu  be  during  the  first  few  days,  a  dose  or  two 
of  Nax  vomica,  Bryonia  or  Sulphur  may  be  administered  to  both  mother 
and  child.  Laxative  medicines  should  never  be  given  to  infants  for  the 
purpose  of  purging  out  the  meconium,  as  to  this  too  common  practice  of 
nurses,  many  chronic  diseases  of  after-life  are  to  be  attributed. 


SWELLING  AND  ELONGATION  OF  THE  HEAD. 

It  is  common  for  the  head  of  the  infant  to  be  swollen  and  elongated  im- 
mediali-ly  al'tir  liiitli,  t-pecially  wluii  the  labor  has  been  difficult  and  pro- 
tracted, and  (Hcasi.iiially  a  luni'T  appears  on  the  back  or  top  of  the  head. 
This  will  i^enerally  disappear  of  itself  in  a  few  days.  In  case  the  swelling 
should  be  extensive,  repeated  washings  with  cold  water,  or  a  weak  solution 
of  Tincture  of  Arnica — three  or  four  drops  to  half  a  tumbler  of  water — will 
hasten  its  removal;  if  not  better  in  two  or  three  days,  give  JJ/ms. 

PUTTING  the:  CHH^D  TO  THE  BREAST. 

The  child  should  be  put  to  the  breast  a  short  time  after  delivery,  if  the 
mother  is  able  to  bear  the  fatigue.  This  should  be  done  even  if  tlie  mother 
has  no  milk,  as  the  child  will  be  taught  to  suck,  and  the  secretion  of  milk 
hastened  by  it.  There  will  also  be  less  liability  to  sore  nipples,  distended 
breasts,  and  raUk  fever,  and  should  there  be  any  tendency  to  flooding  on 
the  part  of  the  mother  the  danger  will  be  lessened,  as  the  slicking  of  the 
babe  causes  the  womb  to  contract  more  vigorously. 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  365 

If  the  coming  of  the  milk  slioiild  be  delayed  for  a  day  or  two,  the  child 
should  be  nourished  meanwhile  with  fresh  cow's  milk,  diluted  with  an 
equal  quantity  of  warm  water,  and  sweetened  with  loaf  sugar.  The  milk 
should  always  be  obtained  from  the  same  cow  if  possible.  Young  infants 
should  never  have  gruel,  pap,  panada,  or  cooked  food  of  any  kind. 

Always,  before  applying  the  child,  the  nipple  should  be  moistened  with 
milk  and  water,  sweetened  water,  or  saliva.  Infants  will  be  benefited  by 
giving  them  a  few  teaspoonfuls  of  cold  water  every  day. 


SORE  EYES. 

Quite  youH','  infants  are  liable  to  inflammation  of  the  eyes  and  eyelids. 
In  most  instances  the  litis  only  are  affected  at  first,  but  the  eye-balls  soon 
become  involved  if  the  disease  is  neglected  in  the  commencement.  The 
most  common  causes  of  this  aft'ection  are :  infection  from  the  discharges  of 
the  mother,  exposure  of  the  eyes  to  too  strong  a  light,  or  from  taking  cold 
by  exposing  the  child  to  a  draft  of  air,  etc. 

If  the  discharge  from  the  eyes  is  at  all  profuse  the  affection  may  lie  of  a 
very  dangerous  kind  and  the  eyes  may  be  lost.  The  virulent  ophthalmia 
of  infants  is  highly  contagious.  The  eyes  must  be  kept  clean  with  warm 
water,  washing  them  out  as  often  as  any  pus  collects. 

See  what  is  said  under  "  Inflammation  of  the  Eyes,"  Chapter  II. 

The  following  will  generally  remove  this  disorder : 

Aconite  should  be  given  first,  especially  if  the  inflamma- 
tion arises  from  exposure  of  the  eyes  to  too  much  light ; 
and  the  entire  eye  becomes  red,  and  discharges  a  good 
deal. 

Belladonna,  after  Aconite,  wlien  the  whites  of  the  eyes 
are  very  red  ;  with  bleeding  from  the  eyelids ;  intoler- 
ance of  light,  etc. 

Chamomilla  when  the  eyelids  are  swollen,  bleed,  and  are 
glued  together  in  the  morning  with  a  yellowish  secretion. 

Mercuriics  when  there  is  redness  of  the  eyes  and  ej'elids ; 
small  yellowish  ulcers  along  the  margins  of  the  lids;  with 
discharge  of  yellowish  matter,  etc. 

Pulsatilla  when  there  is  profuse  discharge  of  purulent 
matter  from  the  eyes,  with  redness  of  the  whole  eye  and 
interior  of  the  lids. 

Argentum  nitricum  is  of  the  most  importance  when  there 


366  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

is  a  profuse  discharge  of  creamy  pus;  the  eyelids  very 
much  swollen. 

Calcarea  carbonica  and  Rhus  are  also  useful;  compare 
"  Affections  of  the  Eyes." 

Euphrasia  is  also  valuable  in  many  cases  of  this  com- 
plaint, especially  when  there  is  accumulation  of  matter  in 
the  eyes,  and  intolerance  of  light. 

OBSTRUCTION  OF  THE  NOSE.   "SNUFFLES." 

The  nostrils  of  infants  often  become  obstructed  from  a 
species  of  catarrh,  which  prevents  them  from  breathing 
while  sucking. 

Nux  vomica  given  at  night,  will  mostly  afford  relief;  if, 
however,  the  complaint  still  continues  in  tlie  morning, 
give  Sambucus. 

Chamomilla  if  the  obstruction  is  attended  with  much 
running  of  water  from  the  nose. 

Carbo  vegetahilis  when  the  complaint  is  worse  every 
evening. 

Dulcamara  when  worse  in  the  open  air. 

Lycopodlum  is  often  useful. 

Mercwiiis  when  there  is  much  sneezing  and  a  thickish 
discharge  from  the  nose. 

Tartarus  emeticus  if  there  is  rattling  of  mucus  in  the  chest 
which  is  worse  at  night,  along  with  the  running  from  the 
nose. 


SORE  MOUTH.   THRUSH. 

It  is  generally  produced  by  want  of  a  proper  attention  to  cleanliness,  and 
by  the  use  of  improper  food;  and  hence  children  raised  either  partially  or 
wholly  by  hand,  are  more  liable  to  this  affection  than  those  who  are  nour- 
ished exclusively  by  the  mother's  milk.  The  mouth  should  be  well  washed 
several  times  a  day  with  cold  water. 

Mercurius  should  be  given  whei:  the  disease  first  makes 
its  appearance,  and  also  in  cases  where  there  is  much 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  367 

salivation,  and  the  thrush  shows  a  tendency  to  ulceration. 

Sulphur  should  follow  Mercurius  when  the  latter  fails  to 
effect  a  cure  after  a  few  days. 

Arsenicum  will  be  indicated  in  bad  cases,  the  two  pre- 
ceding remedies  having  failed  to  check  the  disease,  and 
the  thrush  assumes  a  livid,  or  bluish  appearance,  attended 
with  great  weakness  and  diarrhoea. 

Bryonia  and  Nux  vomica  may  also  be  useful  in  some  cases. 


remedy  in  old-school  practice,  and  one  which  is  homoeopathic 
too  in  many  cases  of  the  disease,  consists  of  powdered  borax  and  loaf  sugar 
mixed  in  equal  parts  and  applied  to  the  mouth  of  the  child  three  or  four 
times  a  day.  Or  a  few  grains  of  the  borax  may  be  dissolved  in  a  teacupful 
of  water,  and  the  mouth  of  the  child  washed  with  the  solution  two  or  three 
times  a  day.  This  remedy  should  not,  however,  be  continued  too  long,  lest 
it  prove  injurious  by  aggravating  the  disease. 


SORE  THROAT. 

Infants  are  sometimes  j^revented  from  sucking  by  this ;  they  are  verv' 
eager  to  take  the  breast,  commence  to  suck,  but  as  soon  as  they  attempt  to 
swallow  they  cry  and  the  milk  is  heard  to  gurgle  in  the  mouth  or  runs  out 
of  it;  they  are  generally  hoarse.  If  they  are  very  restless,  cry  before  pass- 
ing water,  and  have  red  cheeks,  give  Aconite.  If  the  whole  face  is  red, 
Belladonna  or  Rhus.  Bhiui  if  the  throat  is  dark  red,  if  they  do  not  perspire, 
but  become  very  hot  towards  night  and  remain  dry  ;  if  Bhus  is  not  sufficient, 
give  Bryonia;  Belladonna  if  they  perspire  much;  if  the  throat  looks  bright 
red,  if  the  eyes  are  congested;  should  BeUadonna  not  be  sufficient,  give 
Mercuriiui. 


JAUNDICE. 

This  occasionally  occurs  in  infants,  and  may  be  known  by  the  yellowness 
of  the  whites  of  the  eyes  and  urine  in  the  commencement,  and  afterward 
of  tlie  skin  of  the  whole  body.  Tlie  bowels  are  at  times  costive,  and  at 
others  loose,  and  the  stools  are  generally  light  or  clay-colored.  The  disease 
may  arise  from  exposure  to  cold,  or  from  the  injurious,  practice  of  adminis- 
tering aperient  medicines  immediately  after  birth,  and  otlier  causes. 

Chamomilla  may  be  given  first,  and  in  many  cases  will 
be  of  itself  sufficient  to  effect  a  cure. 


6bO  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

Mercurius  may  follow  Chamomilla  when  the  symptoms 
have  only  been  partially  removed  by  the  latter,  or  when 
that  remedy  has  failed  to  aQbrd  any  relief 

Cinchona  when  there  are  any  symptoms  remaining  after 
the  use  of  the  foregoing  remedies. 

Nux  vomica  if  the  complaint  is  accompanied  by  consti- 
pation, and  the  child  is  extremely  irritable. 

EXCORIATION. 

Soreness  of  tender  parts  seldom  arises  from  not  wasliing  the  child;  it  is 
nearly  always  a  skin-disease,  and  the  child  is  injured  by  washing  with 
Castile  soaji,  wliicli  hurts  and  burns  the  poor  infant  just  as  much  as  soap 
does  you  wluii  it  mts  into  your  eyes.  Wash  the  infant  with  lukewarm 
water  only,  liitiimd  iinij  nihlihirj  when  wiping  it  dry.  Bathing  the  infant 
frequently  will  be  of  gicat  Ijcnefit. 

Chamomilla  will,  in  most  cases,  be  sufficient,  when  it 
has  not  been  produced  by  tlie  use  of  chanioniile-tea,  taken 
either  by  the  mother  or  child,  in  winch  case  Pulsatilla,  or 
Ignatia,  should  be  given. 

Mercurius,  when  the  excoriation  is  extensive,  and  there 
is  yellowness  of  the  skin,  which  Chamomilla  has  failed  to 
remove. 

Rhus  will  cure  it,  if  red  pimples  appear  on  the  liead. 

Sulphur  or  Carbo  vegetabilis  in  obstinate  cases. 

THE  GUM. 

The  terra  "gum"  or  "red  gum"  is  given  to  an  eruption  of  red  pimples, 
which  makes  its  appearance  in.early  infancy,  and  chiefly  occupies  tlie  face, 
neck  and  arms;  it  may,  however,  extend  to  the  wliolebody. 

The  disorder  is  frequently  the  result  of  inattention  to  cleanliness,  keep- 
ing the  child  too  warm,  and  giving  it  herb  teas. 

A  few  doses  of  Rkiis  or  Sulphur  will  generally  be  sufBcient. 

•RETENTION  OF  URINE. 

This  complaint  often  occurs  in  young  infants,  and  requires  inimediate 
attention.  It  will  generally  be  removed  by  Aconite.  Should  this  fail,  Pul- 
satilla will  generally  suffice.     Consult  also  the  same  article  in  Chapter  X. 


TREATMENT   OF   INFANTS.  6bi) 

Contracted  Foreskin. — Contracted  foreskin  is  sometimes  cured  by 
habitually  holding  tightly  the  foreskin  whUe  urinating  and  allowing  the 
pressure  of  the  water  to  dilate  it. 


CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation  in  children  is  frequently  produced  by  an  improper  mode  of 
living,  either  on  the  part  of  tlie  mother  or  wet  nurse  or  child ;  and  when  it 
arises  from^  want  of  exercise,  too  much  animal  food,  etc.,  on  the  part  of  the 
mother  or  nurse,  it  may  be  removed  Ijy  proper  attention  to  these  points. 
As  a  general  rule,  there  should  be  an  evacuation  from  the  bowels  at  least 
once  a  day  in  quite  young  children ;  and  if  delayed  longer  than  this,  and 
Bryonia,  jN'ux  vomica,  Opium,  Antimonium  crudum,  or  another  remedy  has 
produced  no  cliange,  these  remedies  must  be  given  to  the  mother  or  wet 
nurse.  Injections  of  warm  water  may  also  be  given.  But  never  use  soap; 
every  observing  physician  must  have  seen  the  bad  consequences  from  it 
when  continued  for  a  long  time. 


DIARRHCEA. 

Healthy  infants,  wliile  sucklings,  usually  have  from  three  to  six  evacua- 
tions from  the  bowels  in  the  twenty-four  hours;  and  only  when  the  dis- 
charges become  more  frequent  than  this,  and  are  changed  in  character, 
becoming  green  and  watery,  yellow,  brown,  white  and  frothy  or  watery,  or 
mixed  with  mucus  or  blood,  and  the  child  gives  evidence  of  suffering,  does 
it  become  necessary  to  interfere  by  administering  medicines. 

Ipecacuanha  when  the  diarrhoea  has  been  caused  by 
overloading  the  stomach;  and  especially  if  accompanied 
by  nausea  and  vomiting;  paleness  of  the  face;  frequent 
crying;  the  stools  of  a  bilious,  slimy,  or  greenish-yellow 
color;  sometimes  blackish,  or  streaked  with  blood,  and  of 
a  putrid  odor. 

Rheum  when  the  diarrhoea  has  arisen  from  acidity,  and 
is  attended  by  flatulent  distension  of  the  abdomen;  colic; 
crying  and  straining  both  before  and  after  the  evacua- 
tions, which  are  frothy,  slimy  and  watery,  and  smell  sour; 
a  sour  .sttiell  is  also  emitted  from  the  body  of  the  child, 
even  when  the  strictest  attention  is  given  to  cleanliness. 

Chaviom'dla  in  diarrhoeas  of  a  bilious  watery,  frothy,  or 
24 


370  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

slimy  character,  and  of  a  whitish,  greenish,  or  3-ellowish 
color,  sometimes  having  the  appearance  of  beaten-up  eggs, 
and  of  an  offensive  odor,  like  that  of  rotten  eggs.  The 
diarrhoea  is  frequently  attended  by  colic,  with  fretfulness, 
crying,  restlessness  and  drawing  up  of  the  legs  toward  the 
abdomen;  and  redness  of  the  face  or  of  one  cheek. 

Cinchona  in  watery,  painless  diarrhoea  with  much  wind 
in  the  bowels,  and  undigested  appearance  of  the  milk  in 
the  stools. 

Belladonna  is  frequently  indicated  in  the  commence- 
ment, when  the  child  is  disposed  to  sleep  a  good  deal,  but 
is  restless,  and  starts  up  suddenly ;  the  evacuations  green- 
ish, small  and  frequent. 

Aconite  in  diarrhoeas  attended  with  much  fever.  Opium 
or  Aconite  when  produced  by  fright. 

In  case  the  diarrhoea  should  prove  obstinate  or  be  ac- 
companied by  emaciation,  the  advice  of  a  homoeopathic 
practitioner  should  be  sought. 


COLIC. 

Colic  is  a  common  aflection  in  young  infants.  It  may  be  caused  by 
errors  of  diet  on  tbe  part  of  the  mother,  or  by  feeding  tlie  cliild  witli  too 
much  or  unsuitable  food.  As  before  remarked,  young  infants  should  be 
exclusively  nourislied  from  the  breast,  if  it  is  possible;  and  any  departure 
from  this  is  very  likely  to  be  followed  by  more  or  less  suflering.  Exposure 
to  cold,  or  any  cause  liable  to  effect  eitlier  mother  or  child  injuriously,  may 
induce  colic.  The  attacks  are  sometimes  extremely  violent  and  frecjuciit, 
so  much  sn  as  almost  to  wear  out  both  mother  and  child ;  when  this  is  tlie 
case,  there  is  generally  some  constitutional  predisposition.  It  is  also  fre- 
quently attended  by  diarrhoea. 

Chamomilla  will  be  sufficient  in  most  cases,  especially 
if  the  pain  is  attended  by  distension  of  the  abdomen,  cry- 
ing, writhing  and  twisting,  drawing  up  the  legs  towards  the 
abdomen,  and  coldness  of  the  feet.  Should  this  remedy 
not  cure,  give  Colocynthis. 

Ipecacuanha,  when  the  colic  is  attended  by  sickness  and 
diarrhoea,  the  stools  fermenting  and  of  a  putrid  odor. 


TREAT>[EXT    OF    INFANTS.  371 

Cinchona  for  colic  with  distension  and  hardness  of  the 
abdomen;  tlie  attacks  arc  more  liable  to  come  on  towards 
evening;  screaming  followed  by  laughing. 

Nux  vomica,  when  the  attacks  of  colic  are  attended  by 
costiveuess. 

Pulsaiilla  in  flatulent  colic,  with  rumbling  of  wind  in 
the  abdomen;  shivering  and  paleness  of  the  face,  and 
tenderness  of  the  abdomen. 

SWELLING  OF  THE  BREASTS. 

Tlie  breasts  of  infants  are  sometimes  swollen  at  birth,  or  some  time  after; 
this  is  frequently  caused  or  aggravated  by  tlie  highly  reprehensible  practice 
of  nurses  and  others  of  squeezing  the  breast  with  the  mistaken  notion  that 
there  is  milk,  or  some  matter  in  thera  which  should  be  pressed  out.  Mothers 
cannot  be  too  careful  in  warning  their  nurses  against  tliis  practice,  as  in 
some  iniitances  extensive  suppuration  has  been  produced  by  it,  resulting  in 
disorganization  of  the  breasts,  and  in  females,  destroying  their  usefulness 
for  ever. 

When  the  breasts  are  found  to  be  swollen,  a  linen  rag  saturated  with  sweet 
oil  should  be  applied  to  them,  and  in  the  majority  of  instances  the  swelling 
will  disappear  in  a  few  days,  and  notliing  else  be  required.  If,  liowever, 
the  swelling  should  become  extensive,  and  be  accompanied  by  redness  and 
inflammation  of  the  breasts,  a  dose  or  two  of  Chamomilla,  followed  by 
Belladonna,  may  be  required.  It  may  also  be  necessary  to  apply  a  bread 
and  milk  poultice  in  severe  cases.  When  the  inflammation  and  soreness 
arises  from  squeezing  and  pressing  the  breasts  and  nipples,  Arnka  should 
be  given.  If  suppuration  has  taken  place,  a  few  doses  of  Uepar  should  be 
given,  and  followed  in  two  or  three  days  by  SUicea. 


CRYING. 

The  occasional  crying  of  infants  should  not  be  a  cause  for  alarm,  as  this 
is  the  language  by  which  their  wants  are  made  known.  And  hence  they 
cry  when  they  are  hungry,  need  changing,  or  have  lain  too  long  in  one 
position,  etc.  Only  in  cases  where  the  crying  is  excessive,  and  the  usual 
means  of  pacifying  them  fail,  we  may  suppose  they  are  sufiering  from  pain, 
and  should  immediately  endeavor  to  ascertain  the  cause,  which  will  fre- 
quently be  found  to  be  some  mechanical  irritation,  such  as  derangement 
of  the  infant's  dress,  or  a  pin  sticking  into  the  flesh,  etc. 

The  most  reprehensible,  or  rather  criminal  practice  is  that  of  giving 
laudanum,  or  other  preparations  of  opium,  to  infants.     They  will  be  ruined 


Ot2  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

in  body  and  mind  by  it, — they  will  never  be  so  healthy,  or  grow  to  such  an 
age,  as  they  would  do  without  ever  having  been  poisoned  in  this  way; 
most  all  of  these  unfortunate  infants  become  either  vicious  or  simpletons. 
Good-for-nothiug  nurses  will  often,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  parents, 
give  laudanum  to  infants,  in  order  that  they  may  not  be  disturbed  in  their 
ease  and  laziness. 

When,  however,  the  child  continues  to  cry  for  a  long  time  without  any 
apparent  cause, — 

Belladonna  will  frequently  prove  serviceable,  and  also 
when  it  starts  suddenly  out  of  sleep  and  begins  to  cry 
violently. 

Aconitum  or  Coffea,  if  Belladonna  sliould  fail,  will  often 
be  successful,  especially  when  the  crying  i.s  accompanied 
by  uneasiness  and  heat. 

Chamomilla  will  also  fre(]uently  be  useful,  and  especially 
if  there  be  reason  to  think  the  crying  is  caused  by  earache 
or  headache. 

RESTLESSNESS  AND  WAKEFULNESS. 


;  and  inability  to  sleep  are  generally  produced  by  giving  the 
child  injurious  food,  or  overloading  its  stomach,  or  by  the  mother's  drink- 
ing cofiee,  wine,  etc.,  or  making  use  of  some  other  improper  article  of  diet. 
Sometimes  it  is  caused  by  the  child's  head  lying  too  high ;  the  head  of  an 
infant  ought  always  to  lie  low. 

Coffea  will  often  be  sufficient  to  remove  the  restlessness, 
hot  skin,  etc. 

Opium  when  Coffea  is  insufficient,  and  there  is  redness 
of  the  face. 

Cliamomilla,  if  the  restlessness  be  attended  by  flatulency 
and  griping,  with  starts  and  jerkings  of  the  limljs,  or 
feverisluiess  with  redness  of  one  cheek.     . 

Belladonna,  when  the  child  appears  to  be  drowsy  but 
cannot  sleep,  or  falls  asleep  for  a  few  moments  and  starts 
up  suddenly  and  cries. 

Pulsatilla  or  Ipecacuanha,  when  the  restlessness  arises 
from  overloaduig  the  stomach. 

Nux  vomica,  if  it  is  caused  by  cither  mother  or  child 
taking  cofl'ce  or  .•3i)irituous  li(|Uors. 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  373 


HICCOUGH. 

Hiccough,  when  long  continued,  sometimes  gives  rise  to  a  good  deal  of 
uneasiness,  especially  to  young  mothers ;  it  is  generally  caused  by  exposure 
of  some  part,  or  of  the  entire  body,  to  the  air,  even  in  a  warm  room,  or 
while  dressing  or  undressing  the  child.  Wrapping  the  infant  up  warmly, 
or  giving  it  the  breast,  will  generally  cause  it  to  cease.  Should  it  Iiowever 
continue,  the  administration  of  a  teaspoonful  of  water,  sweetened  with 
white  sugar,  may  be  given ;  and  in  case  this  should  fail,  a  dose  of  Xux 
vomica. 


SCURF  ON  THE  HEAD. 

Children  are  sometimes  troubled  with  a  dark  or  dirty-looking,  unsightly 
incrustation,  which  generally  makes  its  appearance  on  the  top  of  the  liead, 
partially  covering  the  scalp.  On  removing  any  part  of  this  crust,  the  skin 
will  be  found  red  and  inflamed. 

It  frequently  emits  quite  an  offensive  smell,  and  is  always  annoying  to 
the  cliild  by  the  irritation  and  itching  it  occasions.  Removing  it  forcibly 
with  a  fine  tooth  comb  will  not  cure  it,  but  be  more  likely  to  aggravate  it ; 
for  so  long  as  the  diseased  state  of  the  scalp  remains,  it  will  be  reproduced. 

It  is  generally  caused  by  keeping  the  children  too  warm,  or  by  inatten- 
tion to  cleanliness,  and  is  seldom  found  in  children  whose  heads  are  regu- 
larly washed  every  morning,  and  after  being  properly  dried,  brushed  with 
a  soft  hair-brush. 

Sulphur,  administered  night  and  morning  for  several  days,  will  generally 
correct  any  tendency  that  may  exist  toward  this  formation. 

The  crust  may  be  removed  by  anointing  it  well  with  lard  or  cosmoline 
at  night,  and  washing  it  off  next  morning  with  a  weak  solution  of  soda. 
This  application  may  have  to  be  repeated  several  times. 


.\nLK-CRUST. 

This  is  mostly  an  affection  of  young  infants,  and  is  characterized  by  an 
eruption  of  numerous  small  white  pustules,  appearing  in  clusters  upon  a 
red  ground.  They  generally  make  their  appearance  first  on  the  face,  par- 
ticularly tlie  cheeks  and  forehead,  from  whence  they  sometimes  spread 
over  tlie  entire  body.  In  a  short  time  they  become  yellow  or  dark  colored, 
burst,  and  form  thin  yellow  crusts. 

The  eruption  is  often  attended  by  considerable  redness  and  swelling  of 
the  surrounding  parts,  and  with  troublesome  itcliing,  which  renders  tlie 
child  exceedingly  restless  and  fretful,  and  causes  it  to  rub  the  affected  jiarts 
constantly,  by  which  the  scabs  are  torn  off,  and  the  disease  is  aggravated. 


374  TREATMENT    OF    INFANTS. 

Aconitum  should  be  administered  first,  when  the  erup- 
tion is  surrounded  by  redness  and  inflammation  of  the 
skin,  and  the  patient  is  very  restless  and  uneasy. 

Rhus  may  follow  Aconitum,  if  after  the  lapse  of  a  few 
days  the  eruption  appears  to  be  but  little  improved. 

Sulphur  will  be  beneficial  after  Rhus,  when  the  latter 
fails  to  produce  a  favorable  change,  or  when  the  improve- 
ment progresses  but  slowly.  Viola  tricolor  is  probably  a 
remedy  that  cures  more  cases  than  any  other.  In  bad 
cases  a  weak  tea  made  of  the  dried  plant  as  found  at  the 
apothecaries  may  be  ajjplied  daily  to  the  scalp.  This  in 
addition  to  taking  the  remedy  internally. 

Hepar,  Arsenicum  and  Lycopodium  may  also  be  service- 
able in  tedious  cases. 


SCALD  HEAD.    RINGWORM  OF  THE  SCALP. 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  circular  red-colored  patches,  covered 
with  numerous  small  yellowish  points  or  pustules,  which  do  not  rise  above 
the  level  of  the  skin.  These  pustules  soon  break,  and  form  thin  scabs. 
The  patches  frequently  unite  with  adjacent  patches,  and  assume  an  irregu- 
lar and  extensive  appearance,  and  sometimes  cover  the  whole  head.  These 
incrustations,  by  accumulation,  become  thick  and  hard,  and  when  removed, 
the  surface  beneath  is  left  red  and  glos.sy,  but  studded  with  slightly  elevated 
pimples.  By  the  long  continuance  of  this  eruption  the  hair  is  frequently 
destroyed ;  it  is  commonly  found  in  children  from  the  age  of  two  years  to 
that  of  puberty;  it  is  not  confined  to  the  scalp,  but  appears  on  the  face, 
neck,  and  other  parts  of  the  body,  and  in  such  cases  is  less  difficult  to  cure 
than  when  located  in  the  scalp. 

This  disease  is  often  extremely  obstinate;  this  is  es- 
pecially the  case  when  it  has  been  neglected  in  the  com- 
mencement, or  treated  with  washes  and  unguents,  the 
only  effect  of  which  has  been  to  aggravate  the  complaint, 
and  render  the  cure  much  more  difficult  when  proi^er 
means  are  resorted  to. 

Rhus  will  generally  be  the  most  appropriate  remedy 
with  which  to  commence  the  treatment,  and  under  its 
action  the  disease  will  often  undergo  a  favorable  change. 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  375 

SulplaiT  may  follow  Ilhus,  should  the  eruption  become 
dry  uud  begin  to  exfoliate. 

SiapJtisagria,  should  it  become  moist  and  offensive,  at- 
tended with  violent  itching,  to  be  followed  by  Bhus  again. 

Arsenicum  must  be  given,  if,  notwithstanding  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  above  remedies,  the  disease  becomes 
worse,  with  corrosive  discharge,  or  formation  of  ulcers; 
after  the  action  of  which  Rhus  will  frequently  produce  a 
salutary  effect. 

Should  the  foregoing  remedies  be  insufficient  to  effect  a 
cure,  it  will  be  requisite  to  resort  to  the  use  of 

Hepar,  especially  when  the  disease  extends  to  the  fore- 
head, face  and  neck,  or  when  the  eyes  and  eyelids  become 
red  and  inflamed;  or 

Bryonia,  when  the  glands  of  the  neck  and  tliroat  be- 
come swollen,  red  and  painful,  or  if  they  are  swollen  and 
hard  without  being  painful.  Dulcamara. 

Antimonium  crudiim,  will  frequently  have  a  salutary 
effect,  especially  when  a  thick  scab  is  formed  on  the  head, 
and  the  eruption  extends  over  the  entire  face,  with  itch- 
ing of  the  whole  body. 

In  protracted  cases  of  the  disease,  Calcarea  curb.,  Lyco- 
podium,  and  Sulphur  will  often  prove  serviceable. 

Tl'ntil  the  disorder  is  removed,  the  strictest  attention  should  be  given  to 
cleanliness;  the  head  should  be  gently  sponged  with  tepid  water  twice  a 
da.v,  tlie  liair  kept  closely  trimmed,  and  the  homoeopathic  rules  of  diet 
closely  adhered  to. 

SPASMS  OR  CONVULSIONS. 

When  a  child  is  attacked  with  convulsions,  and  no  physician  is  at  hand, 
the  lower  e.xtremities  up  to  the  knees  may  be  immersed  in  water,  as  hot  as 
it  can  be  borne,  for  the  space  of  five  or  ten  minutes,  or  until  the  fit  appears 
partially  sulnlued ;  after  which  the  child  should  be  wiped  perfectly  dry,  and 
placed  in  a  warm  wrap])er;  if  the  firet  immersion  is  followed  by  no  relief, 
or  a  second  attack  speedily  follows,  it  should  be  rei>eated,  at  the  same  time 
cold  water  may  lie  applied  to  the  head  of  the  child ;  this  course,  several 
times  repeated,  has  often  been  foimd  to  restore  children. 


376  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

When  some  irritating  substance  in  the  stomach  or  intestines,  or  consti- 
pation is  the  probable  cause,  an  injection  of  warm  water,  or  mohisses  and 
water,  sliould  be  given  as  soon  as  possible.  In  the  absence  of  the  proper 
homoeopathic  medicines,  relief  may  sometimes  be  obtained  by  smelling 
camphor.  The  chief  reliance,  however,  for  the  cure  of  the  disease,  is  in 
the  administration  of  one  or  more  of  the  following  medicines,  carefully 
selected  according  to  the  symptoms  and  cause,  as  nearly  as  possible.  The 
most  favorable  time  for  giving  the  medicine  is  just  as  the  ht  is  going  ofl; 
unless  it  continue  a  long  time,  or  the  fits  follow  each  other  in  quick  succes- 
sion, in  which  case  the  medicine  must  be  given  immediately,  without  wait- 
ing for  the  fit  to  terminate. 

Chamomilla  is  indicated,  if  there  is  convulsive  jerking 
of  the  Umbs,  twitcliing  of  the  muscles  of  the  face  and  eye- 
lids, with  constant  motion  of  the  head  from  side  to  side, 
followed  by  drowsiness,  with  the  eyes  half  closed,  and  loss 
of  consciousness ;  redness  of  one  cheek  and  paleness  ol  the 
other,  constant  moaning,  and  craving  for  drink. 

Belladonna,  when  the  child  starts  suddenly  when  asleep, 
or  stares  about  wildly;  the  pupils  are  much  dilated;  stiff- 
ness of  one  or  more  of  the  limbs  or  of  the  wliole  body ; 
dryness  and  burning  heat  of  the  forehead  and  palms  of 
the  hands ;  involuntary  discharge  of  urine  after  the  return 
of  consciousness;  the  slightest  touch  sometimes  provokes 
a  new  fit.  The  fits  are  sometimes  preceded  by  smiles  and 
laughter. 

Ignatia  is  the  chief  remedy  in  the  convulsions  of  chil- 
dren, especially  when  the  cause  is  unknown,  and  the  fol- 
lowing symptoms  are  presented ;  sudden  and  violent  start- 
ing from  a  light  sleep  with  loud  screaming,  and  trembling 
of  the  whole  body ;  when  the  muscles  of  single  limbs  are 
convulsed  or  there  is  an  occasional  spasm  of  a  single  mus- 
cle here  and  there  in  different  parts  of  the  body;  when 
the  fits  return  every  day  at  the  same  hour,  or  every  other 
day  about  the  same  time,  and  are  followed  by  fever  and 
persi)iration. 

Coffea  is  frequently  serviceable  in  weak  and  nervous 
children  who  are  subject  to  convulsions  without  any  ap- 
parent cause,  other  than  weakness. 


TKEATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  377 

Ipecacuanha,  in  asthmatic  children,  when  tlie  fits  are 
accompauied  by  nausea,  retching  and  vomiting  or  diar- 
rhoea, and  the  attack  is  preceded,  attended,  or  followed  by 
stretching  of  the  limbs. 

Cina  is  useful  in  delicate  children  who  are  troubled 
with  worms  or  in  the  habit  of  wetting  the  bed ;  spasms  of 
the  chest  followed  by  rigidity  of  the  limbs,  or  of  the  whole 
body ;  and  itching  at  the  nose  and  anus. 

Mercurius,  for  spasms  caused  by  worms,  with  distension 
and  hardness  of  the  abdomen ;  tossing  and  stiffness  of  the 
limbs;  eructation,  salivation,  fever  and  moist  skin,  and 
great  weakness  after  the  paroxysms.  This  remedy  may 
precede  or  follow  Cina  advantageously. 

Opium  is  particularly  suitable  in  convulsions  caused  by 
fright,  and-  attended  by  much  trembling  over  the  whole 
body,  tossing  of  the  limbs,  and  loud  screaming  during  the 
fits ;  also  when  the  child  lies  unconscious  as  if  stunned,  or 
breathes  heavily  and  with  difficulty ;  distension  of  the  ab- 
domen and  suppression  of  the  evacuations. 

Hyoscyamus,  in  convulsions  caused  by  sudden  fright; 
with  twitching  of  the  muscles  of  the  face  and  foaming  at 
the  mouth. 

Rheum,  if  accompanied  by  twitching  and  jerking  in  the 
thighs  and  groins. 

Stramonium,  in  sudden  convulsions  from  fright,  or  when 
occurring  in  fevers  or  from  repelled  eruptions,  with  toss- 
ing of  the  limbs  and  involuntary  evacuations  of  fseces  and 
urine. 

Sulphur  is  especially  serviceable  in  convulsions  arising 
from  repelled  chronic  eruptions. 


TEETHINCx.    DENTITION. 

The  period  of  dentition  in  children  is  senerallv  attended  with  more  or 
less  derangement  of  health;  greater  restlessness  than  usual,  especially  at 
night;  flushes  of  lieat  and  alternate  paleness  of  the  face;  the  gums  become 
swollen  and  hot;  difficulty  in  sucking;  the  child  frequently  takes  hold  of 


378  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

the  nipple,  bites  and  lets  go  again;  disposition  to  bite  at  everything;  con- 
stant drooling  and  looseness  of  the  bowels.  The  two  latter  symptoms  may 
be  looked  upon  as  salutary,  by  preventing  congestion  of  the  brain  or  lungs, 
to  which  all  children  are  more  or  less  disposed  at  this  time. 

The  first  set  of  teeth  are  twenty  in  number,  and  generally  make  their  ap- 
pearance in  the  following  order:  the  two  middle  lower  teeth  first,  and  when 
the  child  is  about  six  months  old;  next  the  two  middle  incisors  of  tbi-  \\]>- 
per  jaw  in  three  or  four  weeks  after  the  first;  soon  after  these  tlu'  two 
lower  lateral  incisors  below,  which  are  foHowed  speedily  by  the  two  lateral 
incisors  above.  In  about  two  months  or  in  the  12th  or  14th  month  after 
these  first  four  jaw  teeth  appear,  two  below  and  two  above ;  shortly  after 
these  the  eye  teetli  are  cut;  and  finally,  at  the  age  of  two  or  two  and  a 
half  years,  the  four  back  jaw  teeth,  two  above  and  two  below,  completing 
the  set. 

There  is,  however,  considerable  variation  from  the  above  regular  order 
and  time  of  teethihg;  some  children  get  their  first  teeth  two  or  three  weeks 
after  birth  or  indeed  are  born  with  them,  while  others  again  do  not  get 
any  teeth  until  they  are  a  year  or  more  old.  In  healthy  children  when 
due  attention  has  been  paid  to  exercise,  diet,  etc.,  tlie  period  of  dentition 
will  generally  be  passed  with  comparatively  little  sufl^ering. 

The  mother  or  nurse  during  the  whole  period  of  dentition  should  pay 
particular  attention  to  her  way  of  living,  and  avoid  everytliing  indigestible 
or  stinuilating  in  its  nature.  She  should  especially  abstain  from  the  use 
of  spirituous  and  malt  liquors,  which  from  their  irritating  properties  are 
particularly  injurious,  and  are  one  of  the  most  frequent  causes  of  the  suffer- 
ings of  children  at  this  period. 

Lancing  the  gums,  though  seldom  necessary,  may  be  resorted  to  in  weak, 
sickly  children.  The  best  instrument  for  this  purpose  is  a  gum  lancet,  the 
blade  of  which  should  be  placed  over  the  tooth,  and  an  incision  made 
through  the  gum  to  the  tooth.  In  the  absence  of  a  proper  lancet  a  pen- 
knife will  answer  the  same  end.  It  ought,  however,  never  be  done  until 
you  can  see  or  feel  the  tooth  tlirough  the  gum. 


Aeon  Hum,  when  there  is  fever  with  much 
sleeplessness  and  pain,  as  evinced  by  the  child's  crying 
and  starting. 

Belladonna,  in  convulsions  caused  bj'  teething;  the  con- 
vulsion is  followed  by  sound  sleep,  which  continues  for  a 
long  time,  or  until  another  fit  comes  on.  The  child  starts 
suddenl}^  from  its  sleep  as  if  frightened,  and  looks  around 
as  if  terrified,  with  an  altered  expression  of  countenance; 
the  pupils  of  the  eyes  are  enlarged,  and  the  eyes  fixed ; 
the  whole  body  becomes  stiff;  with  burning  heat  in  the 
palms  of  the  hands  and  in  the  temples. 


TREATMENT   OF   INFANTS.  379 

Calcarea  carbonica,  when  tlie  teething  is  too  slow  in  chil- 
dren of  light  complexion,  and  who  are  inclined  to  be  fat. 

Chaniomilla  is  particularly  adapted  to  the  various  dis- 
eases of  children  during  the  period  of  dentition,  and  espe- 
cially when  a  child  is  very  uneasy  at  night;  tosses  about; 
wants  to  drink  often ;  has  spasmodic  jerks  and  twitches  of 
the  limbs  during  sleep ;  starts  at  the  slightest  noise ;  gen- 
eral heat;  redness  of  one  cheek  and  of  the  eyes;  moaning; 
groaning;  agitation;  short,  quick,  noisy  respiration  and 
oppression  of  the  chest;  hacking  cough;  mouth  dry  and 
hot;  diarrhoea,  with  wateiy,  slimy  and  greenish  evacua- 
tions, worse  at  night. 

Olna  may  be  given  to  children  who  wet  the  bed  at  night, 
and  grind  their  teeth  during  sleep  and  at  other  times; 
have  hardness  and  distention  of  the  abdomen;  rub  the 
nose,  and  have  a  dry  cough,  resembling  whooping-cough. 

C'offea,  when  the  child  is  very  excitable ;  does  not  sleep ; 
is  sometimes  fretful  and  at  other  times  too  lively,  with 
some  fever. 

Ignatia,  when  there  are  convulsive  jerkings  of  single 
limbs ;  frequent  flushes  of  heat,  sometimes  followed  by 
I^erspiration ;  the  child  rouses  from  a  light  sleep  with 
piercing  cries  and  trembles  all  over. 

Ipecacuanha  is  very  useful  in  nausea  and  vomiting  with 
diarrhcBa ;  the  stools  are  mixed,  of  different  colors. 

Mercurius  is  applicable  in  cases  of  copious  drivelling, 
redness  of  the  gums,  and  green  evacuations  from  the 
bowels,  with  straining. 

Sulphur  maj'  be  given  when  the  stools  are  M'hitish  or 
hot  and  sour ;  and  excoriate  the  j^arts. 

SUMMER  COMPLAINT. 

This  disease,  so  commnn,  and  so  often  fatal,  is  most  prevalent  during  the 
summer,  and  usually  commences  witli  nausea  and  vomiting,  followed  by 
diarrhoea.  The  matters  ejected  consist  at  finst  of  food  and  afterwards  of 
muais ;  or  there  may  be  mere  retching  and  fruitless  efforts  to  vomit.     The 


38U  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

evacuations  from  the  Ijowels  are  very  frequent  and  may  assume  various  ap- 
pearances, sometimes  they  are  greenish,  tliin  and  watery,  or  yellowish,  at 
others  whitisli  or  slimy  and  mixed  with  blood.  Often  the  food  is  passed 
undigested,  and  the  odor  is  occasionally  very  offensive. 

If  the  diseiise  continues  for  any  length  of  time  the  child  loses  its  appe- 
tite, the  (lesh  Ijecomes  soft,  and  the  emaciation  frequently  so  great  that  the 
skin  han-.s  in  luliLs  about  the  person,  fever  with  evening  aggravation  sets 
in,  the  tyc.^  arc  Miiiken  and  but  half  closed  during  sleep.  The  thirst 
for  cold  water  i.-.  usually  very  great,  and  drinks  of  all  kinds  are  immedi- 
ately rejected  by  the  stomach.  The  head  and  abdomen  are  hot  and  the 
latter  generally  distended,  while  the  feet  and  hands  are  cold. 

The  most  common  exciting  causes  are,  improper  diet,  either  on  the  part 
of  the  mother  or  child,  great  clianges  of  temperature,  improper  clothing, 
want  of  fresh  air,  and  teething.  The  latter  is  probably  the  most  frequent 
cause,  as  children  are  more  liable  to  this  disease  during  their  second 


At  the  season  in  which  children  are  most  subject  to  cholera  infantum 
strict  attention  should  be  given  to  diet,  exercise  and  clothing,  both  by 
mother  and  child.  In  regard  to  the  diet,  everything  stimulating,  such  as 
vinous  and  fermented  drinks,  acids,  all  highly  seasoned  food,  and  most 
vegetables,  should  be  dispensed  with.  And  in  general,  the  homoeopathic 
regimen  as  recommended  in  the  beginning  of  this  work,  should  be  closely 
adhered  to.  The  clothing  should  be  adapted  to  the  season,  and  changed 
to  suit  the  changes  of  temperature,  care  being  taken  not  to  clothe  the  child 
too  warmly.  The  rooms  should  be  kept  cool  and  well  aired,  and  the  chil- 
dren frequently  taken  out  into  the  open  air. 

Children  living  in  large  cities  will  be  much  benefited  by  a  ride  out  into 
the  country,  or  on  the  water  by  steamboat. 

Cool,  fresh  air,  and  daily  bathing  in  cold  water,  cannot  be  too  much  re- 
commended. 

Antimonium  ciiidum,  when  the  tongue  is  coated  white 
or  yellow ;  dryness  of  the  mouth,  with  thirst ;  nausea  with 
vomiting,  or  retching  and  cough  ;  distension  of  the  abdo- 
men with  flatulency ;  offensive,  slimy  stools ;  and  frequent 
passages  of  water. 

Arsenicum,  if  the  child  is  very  weak,  pale  and  emaci- 
ated ;  inflation  of  the  abdomen  ;  cold  extremities  ;  loss  of 
appetite;  nausea  and  vomiting;  intense  thirst;  yellow 
and  watery,  white  or  brownish  offensive  diarrhoea,  which 
is  worse  after  midnight,  towards  morning,  and  after  eat- 
ing or  drinking. 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  381 

Bryonia,  wheu  the  diarrhoea  comes  on  in  hot  weather, 
and  is  accompanied  by  much  thirst ;  vomiting  of  food ; 
nausea  and  vomiting  after  eating;  diarrhoea  with  colic; 
the  stools  have  a  putrid  smell,  are  white  or  brownish  and 
lumpy. 

Carbo  vegetabilis;  if  Bryonia  affords  but  temporary  re- 
lief give  Carbo  vegetabilis,  especially  if  the  evacuations  are 
very  thin  and  otlensive;  and  are  attended  with  burning 
and  much  pain. 

Dulcamara,  if  the  complaint  returns  every  time  the 
weather  gets  cool,  or  takes  place  after  drinking  cold  water 
while  in  a  heat;  violent  thirst  for  cold  water;  diarrh(Ea 
of  a  greenish  or  brownish  mucus,  worse  at  night. 

Ipecacuanha,  if  given  in  the  commencement  of  the  dis- 
ease will  often  arrest  its  progress  at  once.  The  symptoms 
which  indicate  this  remedy  ai-e  chiefly  nausea  and  vomit- 
ing of  food  and  drink,  or  of  mucus  and  Mle,  attended  with 
diarrhoea  of  fermented  stools  with  white  flocculent  particles 
or  tinged  with  blood;  coated  tongue;  dislike  to  all  food; 
and  extreme  thirst. 

Mercurius,  when  the  diarrhoea  is  worse  before  midnight 
and  is  attended  with  colic,  straining  at  stool,  and  perspi- 
ration; evacuations  scanty,  greenish,  sour,  and  attended 
with  nausea  and  eructations;  if  the  children  have  a  great 
desire  for  butter. 

Calcarea,  for  diarrhoea,  with  thin,  light  colored  stools, 
smelling  like  bad  eggs;  vomiting;  much  sweat  on  head; 
belly  enlarged. 

Cinchona  when  the  diarrhoea  occurs  after  every  meal, 
the  stools  are  very  fetid  and  contain  undigested  portions 
of  the  food,  and  there  is  much  wind  in  the  bowels. 

Nux  vomica,  if  Ipecacuanha  should  not  be  efficacious  in 
arresting  the  disease  at  the  outset. 

Veratrum,  when  the  weakness  from  the  nausea  and  vom- 
iting is  so  great  as  almost  to  cause  fainting;  great  ex- 
haustion, vomiting,  and  diarrhoea;  vomiting  after  swal- 


OOZ  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

lowing  the  least  liquid;  the  slightest  movement  excites 
vomiting;  great  thirst  for  cold  water;  sensitiveness  over 
the  pit  of  the  stomach;  colic,  with  hurning  and  cutting 
pains  in  the  abdomen ;  loose,  brownish,  and  blackish  stools ; 
and  small  unnoticed  evacuations  of  liquid  fseces. 

Sulphur  will  be  valuable  in  protracted  cases,  especially 
when  the  evacuations  from  the  Ixjwels  are  frequent  and 
greenish,  thin  and  watery,  or  whitish  and  slimy. 


RUPTURE  OF  THE  NAVEL.   UMBILICAL  HERNIA. 

This  affection  sometimes  occurs  in  young  cliildren,  and  may  be  known 
by  the  unnatural  protrusion  of  the  navel.  It  is  not  often  painful  unless  it 
becomes  large ;  when  discovered  to  exist,  a  piece  of  pasteboard,  cork,  sheet- 
lead  or  other  hard  substance,  should  be  covered  with  linen,  placed  over  the 
navel  and  secured  there  by  a  broad  bandage.  This,  by  being  constantly 
worn,  will  generally  remove  it. 

The  rupture  at  the  groin  is  quite  common.  Ntix  romiea  is  the  best  medi- 
cine to  be  given.  A  properly  adjusted  bandage  or  truss  is  however  of  the 
utmost  importance. 


DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  EARS. 

"Gtathering  in  the  ear"  is  very  common  in  young  children. 

It  is  generally  preceded  by  violent  pains,  giving  rise  to  screaming,  roll- 
ing and  tossing  of  the  head,  sudden  starting  out  of  sleep  and  more  or  less 
fever.  As  soon  as  the  "gathering"  breaks  ami  niatlcr  is  discharged,  the 
pain  ceases.  The  discharge  is  often  prciluM^  ami  clili'uult  to  cure.  The 
matter  is  generally  yellow,  but  occasionally  it  bfiomes  greenish  or  dark 
colored,  and  extremely  offensive. 

Belladonna,  Mercurius,  ChamomUla  and  PidsaliUa,  are  the  best  remedies 
for  the  pain. 

Mercurius,  Pvhalilla,  Calcarea  carbonica,  Bkm  and  Sidphur,  for  the  dis- 
charge. The  ear  should  be  frequently  syringed.  See  "  Affections  of  the 
Ears." 


HEAT  SPOTS.   "PRICKLY  HEAT." 

Infants  and  young  children  are  frequently  troubled  with  an  eruption 
consisting  of  small  vesicles,  generally  about  the  size  of  a  pin's  head;  they 
are  red  and  inflamed  at  the  base,  and  filled  with  waterv  fluid,     .\fter 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  383 

breaking,  they  sometimes  form  into  thin  scabs,  and  occasionally  are  dis- 
l)osed  to  ulcerate.  There  is  usually  more  or  less  fever  accompanying  the 
eruption,  wliich  is  often  very  annoying  to  children,  on  account  of  tlie  itch- 
ing and  burning  with  whicli  it  is  attended. 

The  heat  of  summer  is  the  time  at  which  this  eruption  is  most  preva- 
lent ;  its  development  is  also  favored  by  warm  rooms  and  an  excess  of  cloth- 
ing. The  disorder  will  generally  be  removed  by  frequent  bathing  and 
proper  attention  to  ventilation  and  dress. 

Wlien  attended  by  much  fever  and  restlessness,  a  few  doses  of  Aeonitum 
or  ChamomiUa  will  aflbrd  relief.  Rlius  may  be  given  if  the  eruption  is  ex- 
tensive, and  Arsenicum  or  Sulphur,  if  Jihus  should  be  insufficient.  Sulphur 
given  at  long  intervals,  will  correct  the  tendency  to  this  complaint. 


WHITES  OR  LEUCORRH(E.\  OF  CHILDREN. 

Little  girls  are  sometimes  subject  to  a  discharge  of  whitish  mucus  from 
the  vagina,  like  the  leucorrhcea  of  adults.  It  may  be  the  result  of  inat- 
tention to  cleanliness,  or  proceed  from  some  constitutional  or  other  cause. 

Frequent  bathing  with  luke-warm  water  will  generally  cause  its  removal 
in  a  short  time;  or,  if  tliis  should  fail,  the  internal  administration  of  Cal- 
curca  carb.,  followed  if  necessary  by  Pulsatilla,  will  eflect  a  cure. 


WEANING. 

The  most  suitable  time  to  wean  children  is  generally  wlien  they  are  at 
about  tlie  age  often  months;  by  this  time  the  teeth  are  usually  .sufficiently 
developed  to  chew  more  solid  food,  and  the  mother's  milk  may  be  dispensed 
with. 

If  the  mother  is  delicate,  the  supply  of  milk  begins  to  diminish  in  quan- 
tity and  deteriorates  in  quality,  or  the  menstrual  flow  reappears,  the  child 
should  be  weaned  at  an  earlier  period. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  child  should  not  be  weaned  while  it  is  suffering 
much  from  the  irritation  of  teething,  or  any  other  infantile  disease,  unless 
the  health  of  the  mother  renders  it  absolutely  necessarj'. 

As  the  teeth  begin  to  appear,  the  child  should  gradually  be  accustomed 
to  other  food  than  the  mother's  milk,  so  that,  when  the  period  for  wean- 
ing arrives,  its  digestive  organs  will  be  fully  prepared  for  the  change  of 
diet. 

The  most  suitable  seasons  of  the  year  for  weaning,  are  the  spring  and 
autumn. 

After  weaning,  the  child's  diet  should  consist  of  simple,  but  nourishing 
food,  such  as  bread  and  milk,  arrow  root,  farina,  boiled  rusks,  etc.,  and  the 
transition  to  a  more  substantial  fare  should  be  extremely  gradual.  (See 
also  page  62.) 


Mi  TEEATMENT   OF   INFANTS. 

Tlie  mother,  also,  after  the  child  is  taken  from  the  breast,  should  be  par- 
ticularly careful  in  her  diet,  and  until  the  secretion  of  milk  has  ceased, 
live  as  low  as  possible.  If  the  breasts  become  much  distended  and  painful, 
they  should  be  bathed  with  liot  lard,  and  wrapped  iq,  raw  cotton.  It  will 
also  be  necessary  to  have  them  drawn  occasionally.  At  tlie  same  time  the 
internal  administration  of  Pulsatilla  will  aid  materially  in  stopping  the  se- 
cretion. 

LIMPING.   LAMENESS. 

This  symptom  should  always  be  regarded  with  anxiety,  as  it  may  be 
due  to  beginning  hip-joint  disease  or  knee-joint  trouble.  A  physician 
should  always  be  consulted  if  a  limp  persists  over  a  few  days,  since  even 
the  serious  diseases  mentioned  above  are  usually  curable  if  treated  in  the 
earliest  stages. 

STUTTERING. 

The  best  time  to  cure  stuttering  is  in  the  very  beginning.  Let  the  child, 
several  times  every  day  for  a  little  while,  breatlie  slowly  and  clap  its 
hands  during  each  slow  expiration ;  afterwards,  let  the  child  pronounce  a 
few  words  during  expiration,  but  not  during  inspiration.  Sometimes  it  is 
cured  by  a  few  doses  of  Belladonna,  and  afterwards  Mereufius;  or  Ptatina, 
Euphrasia,  or  later.  Sulphur. 

SQUINTING. 

See  "Diseases  of  the  Eyes." 

WEHING  THE  BED. 

Some  physicians  of  the  old  school,  because  they  cannot  cure  this  com- 
plaint, have  spread  the  notion  that  it  is  nothing  but  a  bad  habit,  and  that 
therefore  the  proper  way  of  curing  this  bad  habit  is  punishing,  or  even 
whipping  the  children.  This  is  the  way  to  bring  up  dogs,  not  children. 
Wetting  the  bed  is  caused  in  almost  all  cases  by  disease,  which  can  be  re- 
moved by  the  remedies  stated  below. 

In  the  first  place  the  children  must  not  eat  any  food  which  causes  an  in- 
crease in  the  quantity  of  urine,  such  as  asparagus,  celery,  cucumbers,  water- 
melons, etc.;  all  sharp,  salty  and  sour  things,  malt  liquors;  also  tea,  cofiee 
and  chocolate.  In  the  morning  they  may  take  water  and  milk,  or  cocoa, 
but  none  of  these  articles  at  night;  they  may  drink  as  much  water  as  they 
like,  it  will  diminish  the  acidity  of  the  urine.  To  eat  consideralile  liutter 
at  night  is  often  beneficial.     Do  not  let  the  children  go  to  bed  immediately 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  385 

after  supper;  take  them  up  about  one  or  two  hours  afterwards,  carry  them 
to  where  tliey  are  iu  tlie  liabit  of  urinating,  and  they  will  soon  do  so  vol- 
untarily. Older  children  are  much  benehted  by  gymnastic  exercises, 
which  make  the  will  stronger,  and  teach  them  to  pay  prompt  attention. 
It  is  often  sufficient  to  get  the  children  accustomed  to  hold  their  water  longer, 
but  this  must  be  done  carefully,  for  holding  the  urine  too  long  is  dan- 
gerous. It  is  best  done  while  taldng  a  walk,  particularly  iu  cold  weatlier. 
Give  older  boys  a  glass  to  measure  their  urine  in  the  morning,  teach 
tliem  to  overcome  tlie  first  desire  to  urinate,  and  to  wait  till  it  returns  with 
paiu;  let  them  take  notice  of  time  and  quantity. 

The  children  are  often  foimd  lying  on  their  back,  and  this  has  been 
stated  to  be  the  cause  of  the  complaint,  and  it  has  been  foolishly  proposed 
to  fasten  something  on  their  back.  No  healthy  person  sleeps  on  his  back, 
unless  he  is  very  much  fatigued,  and  then  only  for  a  while.  All  healthy 
children  sleep  lying  on  the  side. 

If,  therefore,  the  children  sleep  upon  the  back,  they  will  be  benefited  by 
PulsatiUa,  Rhus,  Ferrum,  Sulphur,  Calcarea;  or  sometimes  Bryonia,  Cin- 
chona, Nux  vomica,  or  Tgnatia.  If  tliey  do  not  sleep  on  the  back,  Bella- 
donna, Mercurius,  Silieea,  Cina  or  Causticum. 

Pulsatilla.  Tender,  gentle  children,  inclined  to  weep, 
who  easily  turn  pale  or  red;  particularly  if  they  have 
dark  hair  and  eyes,  and  if  fat  food  does  not  agree  with 
them;  if  the  urine  is  offensive;  if  little  girls  have  the 
whites,  staining  the  linen;  if  they  put  the  hands  upon 
the  abdomen,  or  both  arms  above  the  head.  If  they  sleep 
lying  upon  the  belly,  compare  Calcarea,  Colocynthis  and 
Belladonna.  In  similar  cases,  or  to  children  who  become 
easily  angry  or  obstinate,  and  particularly  if  they  put  the 
arms  above  or  under  the  head,  give  Niix  vomica.  Rhus. 
in  similar  cases,  if  the  children  have  light  hair  and  blue 
eyes ;  if  the  urine  is  acrid,  and  passes  too  quickly  even 
during  the  day,  or  runs  out  drop  by  drop.  (Compare 
Belladonna.)  Especially  if  gymnastic  exercises  do  not 
agree  with  them,  but  they  become  worse  or  take  cold.  If 
Rhus  should  not  be  sufficient,  give  Bryonia,  particularly 
if  the  children  are  very  peevish. 

Ferrum  for  pale,  thin,  chilly  children,  whose  hands  and 
feet  become  easily  cold ;  who  are  sleepy  the  whole  day,  or 
at  least  early  at  night,  dream  much,  and  do  not  like  to 


38G  TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

get  up  in  the  morning ;  who  have  a  constant  catarrh  in 
the  head  or  funning  of  tlie  nose ;  weak  eyes,  which  in  the 
open  air  are  always  full  of  tears ;  who  have,  every  time 
they  take  cold,  either  diarrhoea  or  cough.  If  Ferrum  is 
not  sufficient,  and  if  the  child  easily  turns  red  in  the  face, 
puts  the  arms  over  the  head  and  is  restless  at  night,  give 
Cinchona. 

Sulphur  for  pale  and,  more  particularly,  thin  children 
with  large  bellies,  and  who  are  constantly  unwell,  who  do 
not  like  to  be  washed,  are  afraid  of  being  bathed  or  cry 
when  bathed ;  who  are  fond  of  sharp  victuals  or  cannot 
get  enough  sugar.  Sulphur  is  the  chief  remedy,  if  you 
cannot  come  to  a  determination  as  to  the  proper  remedy. 

Calcarea,  for  stout,  fat,  puffed-up  children  with  red  faces, 
who  drink  much  and  perspire  easily;  especially  if  they 
scratch  their  heads  when  awaking  at  night ;  if  in  the  night 
they  pass  water  more  than  once ;  also  if  they  have  during 
the  day  a  very  frequent  desire  to  urinate,  passing  but  little 
at  a  time.  It  is  suitable  for  children  with  large  bellies, 
if  Sulphur  is  not  sufficient ;  also  if  they  sleep  lying  on  the 
belly  or  put  the  arms  over  the  head. 

Belladonna  if  the  children  do  not  sleep  on  the  back,  or 
do  so  but  seldom ;  for  self-willed,  lively  children,  who  cry 
easily,  who  sleep  with  the  arms  over  tlie  head  or  with  the 
head  bent  backwards,  or  lie  upon  the  belly ;  particularly 
if  the  urine  passes  involuntarily  also  during  the  day,  es- 
pecially when  standing ;  or  if  the  water  passes  often  and 
in  great  quantities,  and  is  pale  and  watery ;  if  they  easily 
perspire,  and  take  cold  readily. 

Mercurius  for  similar,  also  easily-perspiring  children, 
who  sometimes  become  suddenly  weak,  who  have  great 
desire  for  butter;  if  tlie  urine  is«hot  and  acrid  and  smells 
sour. 

SUicea  for  children  with  light  hair  and  blue  eyes,  par- 
ticularly if  they  often  have  a  swelled  neck  or  boils,  or  if 
the  (Mids  of  the  fingers  al)ont  the  nails  ulcerate ;  if  wounds 
Ileal  slowiv;  if  the  complaint  came  on  after  vaccim.tiuu. 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  387 

Cina  if  they  bend  the  head  baekwurdri  wlien  a^ileep,  if 
duriug  sleep  tliey  look  up  dreaming  and  are  afraid ;  and 
if  the  nose  itches. 

Causticum  i.s  an  important  remedy  (for  grown  persons 
too),  particularly  for  children  with  black  hair  and  eyes, 
if  they  wet  the  bed  in  txo  iirst  sleep  ;  the  urine  is  acrid  ; 
they  pass  water  frequently  by  day  and  by  night;  the 
urine  also  pa.s.ses  while  coughing,  sneezing,  walking,  etc. 
For  children  who  can  evacuate  the  bladder  and  stool  only 
when  standing,  but  not  when  sitting. 

Arsenicum  is  sometimes  suitable  wlicn  tlie  urine  is  hot 
and  of  a  putrid  smell ;  if  the  children  i)ut  the  arms  over 
the  head  and  lie  upon  the  back. 

Hepar  if  the  urine  is  hot  and  acrid,  and  the  head  is 
bent  backwards  during  sleep. 

Carbo  vegetabilis,  if  the  urine  is  offensive. 

Dulcamara,  urine  offensive,  and  if  wetting  the  bed  has 
remained  after  some  painful  disease  of  the  bladder. 

Colocynthis,  urine  sticky,  the  children  put  the  arms 
under  or  above  the  head,  and  turn  over  upon  the  belly. 

If  these  medicines  should  not  be  sufficient,  consult  a 
homoeopathic  phj'sician.  There  are  sometimes  other  com- 
plaints which  have  to  be  taken  into  consideration,  and 
other  remedies. 


VACCINATION. 

In  the  former  editions  of  this  work  I  avoided  speaking 
of  vaccination.  Hahnemann  and  many  of  his  followers 
adduce  vaccination  as  a  proof  of  the  homoeopathic  law  of 
cure.  A  similar  disease  taken  from  the  udder  of  the  cow 
prevents  the  similar  small-pox  in  man.  I  had  difl'erent 
views  about  the  similarity  of  the  symptoms,  and  believed 
that  it  always  was  an  action  in  the  opposite  direction  of 
the  medicines  {Gegenwirhcnde  in  der  Arznei)  that  efliected  a 


388  TKEATMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

cure,  but  that  the  similarity  of  the  symptoms  pointed  out 
the  best  and  surest  antidote  to  the  disease  {GegenmiUel). 
Just  as  one  motion  can  only  be  arrested  or  annulled  by 
another  exactly  similar  one,  but  in  the  opposite  direction, 
as  we  see  in  the  motion  of  waves,  sound,  light,  just  so,  I 
thought,  it  must  be  with  the  motions  of  life  {Lebensbcwe- 
gungen).  But  vaccination  was  always  a  poisoning,  even  if 
it  terminated  favorably.  When  I  therefore  raised  my 
voice  against  vaccination  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Stapf,  June 
18th,  1830,  printed  in  his  "  Archiv,"  vol.  10,  part  2,  p.  28, 
I  did  not  do  this  until  I  was  able  to  propose  a  plan  to  find 
a  really  sure  antidote  to  small-pox.  Which  proposal, 
however,  unheard-of  and  strange  it  might  have  seemed  to 
be,  was  nevertheless  based  upon  so  correct  reasoning,  that 
later  experience  has  always  confirmed  it.  But  still,  some 
cases  were  not  cured  by  this  remedy. 

During  the  last  twenty  years  the  following  three  facts 
have  been  clearly  established : 

1.  Vaccination  protects  less  and  less  every  year,  for 
although  small-pox  is  called  by  another  name,  it  is  still 
the  same. 

2.  Vaccination  is  followed  by  complaints,  which  are 
either  sudden  and  dangerous,  or  long-lasting  and  difficult 
to  cure,  and  which  from  year  to  j'ear  become  more  frequent. 

3.  We  learn  from  year  to  year  a  more  certain  and  better 
way  of  curing  small-pox  patients  homoeopathically. 

As  long  as  it  must  be  admitted,  notwithstanding  fact  No. 
1,  that  vaccination,  if  done  in  the  right  way,  protects  in  a 
great  many  cases  and  lessens  the  mortality  in  a  great 
measure;  as  long,  or  in  spite  of  fact  No.  2,  a  great  many 
children  do  not  get  seriously  ill  after  vaccination,  and  as 
long  as,  notwithstanding  fact  No.  3,  some  children  may  yet 
die  of  small-pox — so  long  is  an  absolute  decision  impossi- 
ble, either  in  favor  of  or  against  vaccination.  Until,  there- 
fore, the  honiffiopathic  treatment  of  small-pox  shall  have 
been  perfected  to  such  a  degree  that  all  cases  can  be  cured 


TKEATMKNT  OK  INFANTS.  _  389 

with  perfect  certainty,  vaccination  is  to  be  allowed,  choos- 
ing the  lesser  of  two  evils  and  preferring  the  more  certain 
remedy ;  but  it  must  be  done  under  certain  strict  condi- 
tions, and  so  as  to  cause  the  least  danger  and  the  greatest 
protection  to  the  children. 

Vaccination  should  always  be  done  from  the  arm  of  a 
healthy  child,  whose  parents,  particularly  the  mother,  are 
perfectly  healthy.*  As  was  at  first  invariably  the  case, 
the  lymph  must  be  taken  on  the  sixth,  seventh  or  eighth 
day  after  vaccination,  from  a  perfectly  developed  vesicle, 
as  long  as  the  lymph  is  yet  clear  as  water,  not  turbid  or 
purulent. 

Puncture  the  vesicle  on  the  side  with  a  needle  or  lan- 
cet, just  between  the  sunken  point  and  the  areola,  the 
red  border.  As  the  interior  of  each  vesicle  consists  of 
several  small  cells,  a  little  drop  only  comes  out.  This 
little  drop  should  be  at  once  inserted  into  a  small,  oblique 
cut  in  the  arm  of  the  children.  Deep  cuts  are  senseless, 
and  it  is  not  true  that  they  insure  a  better  protection. 
The  number  of  cuts  are  of  no  essential  importance;  one 
protects  as  well  as  ten.  The  more  cuts  are  made,  the 
more  sick  the  child  will  become.  Therefore,  the  younger 
and  weaker  a  child  is,  the  fewer  cuts  should  be  made. 

The  best  time  for  vaccination  is,  if  the  children  are 
otherwise  healthy,  from  the  third  to  the  twelfth  month,  at 
a  time  when  they  are  not  cutting  teeth.  If  it  has  to  be 
done  at  such  a  time,  make  only  one  cut. 

In  cases  of  necessity,  the  lymph  may  be  put  into  small 
glass  tubes,  and  so  preserved  and  transported;  but  in 
many  cases  the  lymph  thus  preserved  will  fail. 

Never  use  the  lymph  after  the  ninth  day,  wlicn  it  has 
become  thick,  turbid  or  purulent.  Still  less  should  the 
dried-up  pus,  the  scab,  be  used,  which  is  the  worst  and 

*  At  this  later  date  of  revision  it  is  so  easy  to  procure  the  bovine  virus 
tliat  preference  should  be  given  the  lymph  derived  from  tlie  heifer,  when- 
ever this  is  possible.  That  on  quills  or  on  ivory  slips  is  the  most  conve- 
nient to  use. 


390  TKK.VTMKNT    OK    INFANTS. 

most  dangerous  of  them  all.  The  physician,  who  fift)'  or 
sixty  years  ago,  introduced  vaccination,  cautioned  against 
such  vaccination ;  all  vaccinations  during  the  first  twenty 
or  thirty  years  were  invariably  made  with  clear  lymph. 

It  cannot  be  denied,  that  vaccination  with  the  scab 
causes  pustules,  but  it  is  not  the  less  true,  that  it  causes 
many  diseases  difficult  to  cure,  or  that  it  does  not  protect 
well;  the  pustule,  after  vaccination  with  the  scab,  does 
not  run  the  regular  course ;  it  is  sometime^  too  fast,  and 
sometimes  too  slow.  Whether  dangerous  consecjuences 
after  vaccination  with  the  scab  follow  or  not,  is  quite  ac- 
cidental; we  cannot  guard  against  them,  because  it  de- 
pends altogether  on  the  circumstance  whether  the  part  of 
the  scab  used  was  putrefied  or  not.  All  animal  substances, 
which  are  in  the  least  putrefied,  are  dangerous  when  taken 
internally,  but  much  more  so  when  introduced  into  the 
skin,  and  through  it  into  the  blood.  We  have  no  means 
of  knowing  whether  we  have  taken  putrefied  matter  or 
not;  it  makes  no  great  difference  which  part  of  the  scab 
we  take,  the  middle  may  as  well  contain  putrefied  pus  as 
any  other  part. 

As  the  compensation  of  the  physician,  for  vaccinating 
is  so  poor,  in  some  cases  it  is  even  included  in  the  scant 
fee  for  treatment  during  confinement,  the  bad  habit  of 
vaccinating  with  the  scab,  as  the  more  easy  and  conve- 
nient way,  has  become  so  common,  that  most  peo})le  do 
not  know  of  any  other  method.  Nay,  there  is  spread  the 
most  reprehensible  and  erroneous  opinion,  that  the  punc- 
turing of  the  pustule  (to  obtain  the  lymph),  which,  of 
course,  the  child  does  not  feel,  is  dangerous,  and  lessens 
the  protection;  a  most  senseless  and  base  notion,  as  every 
thinking  physician  admits.  Every  physician  knows  that 
in  the  beginning  vaccination  was  without  any  excei)tion 
done  from  arm  to  arm,  and  that  in  many  countries  it  is 
to  this  day  against  the  law  to  do  it  in  any  other  way ; 
and  that  in  those  times  and  countries  the  protection  against 


TREATMENT  OF  INFANTS.  391 

small-pox  was  and  is  intiuitely  greater  than  for  instance, 
in  the  United  States.  Tliis  would  be  impossible,  if  punc- 
turing the  pustule  had  the  least  influence  upon  the  chil- 
dren. Why  have  we  small-pox  epidemics  here  again 
and  again,  which  frighten  the  whole  population  of  the 
larger  cities?  Onlj'  because  vaccination  with  the  scab 
gives  a  quite  uncertain  protection.  And  why  is  it  so 
generally  feared  here  that  children  will  get  sick  after  vac- 
cination? Because  ever}-  one  knows  that  many  children 
do  get  sick  after  vaccination.  Tliis  is  only  the  case  when 
children  are  inoculated  with  the  dried-up,  half-putrefied 
matter,  and  not  with  the  lymph  from  arm  to  arm.  Even 
in  countries  where  they  scarcely  know  the  word  "  civiliza- 
tion," nor  the  meaning  of  expressions  like  "great  pros- 
perity, greatest  good  for  the  greatest  number,"  even  there 
it  has  never  happened  that  parents  made  the  slightest 
objection  to  other  children  being  vaccinated  from  the  arm 
of  their  own,  successfully  vaccinated,  children.  This  new 
species  of  disgusting  inhumanity  was  born  here,  as  one 
of  the  many  evils  following  vaccination  with  scabs. 

Everywhere,  among  people  of  sense,  it  is  considered  an 
honor  to  a  family  to  have  a  child  which  is  selected  to 
vaccinate  other  children  from.  Now,  as  from  ten  to  twelve 
children  can  be  vaccinated  from  one  child  without  doing 
it  the  remotest  injury,  and  as  there  will  be  among  them 
at  least  one  health)'  child  to  vaccinate  from  again, — there 
can  never  be  any  more  want  of  good  lymph,  if  not  caused 
by  the  most  stupid  egotisn*!. 

In  many  large  cities  there  is  the  most  miserable  and 
perverted  regulation  of  paj'ing  from  the  public  funds  to 
young  physicians  a  certain  sum  for  each  child  vaccinated, 
without  requiring  any  proof,  whether,  how,  and  with 
what  success  it  has  been  done.  This  money  could  be 
spent  for  a  much  better  purjiose,  if  the  poor  were  invited 
to  take  their  children  to  a  certain  place  to  be  vaccinated, 
and  if  they  did,  to  return  after  six  or  eight  days  to  have 


392  ERUPTIVE    FEVERS. 

the  children  examined ;  and  if  a  certain  sum  of  money 
were  paid  to  the  parents  of  each  perfectly  healthy  child, 
from  which  others  could  be  vaccinated,  each  physician 
might  take  a  healthy  child  to  othei-s  which  have  to  be 
vaccinated. 

Hahnemann  has  proposed  to  give  to  every  vaccinated 
child  a  dose  of  Sulphur  as  soon  as  the  pustule  is  formed, 
and  if  an  eruption  breaks  out  on  any  part  of  the  body 
when  the  pustule  is  drying  up,  another  dose. 

To  give  Aconitum  for  the  fever  after  vaccination  is  in- 
jurious, as  shown  in  many  cases. 

The  best  remedy,  confirmed  by  hundreds  of  cases,  for 
bad  consequences  of  vaccination,  is  Silicea.  It  is  service- 
able for  eruptions,  swelled  glands  under  the  arm,  or  boils 
on  the  head;  for  very  red,  inflamed  and  suppurating 
swelling  of  the  arm,  extending  sometimes  to  the  shoulder- 
joint,  which  brings  the  child  into  great  danger;  also  for 
long-lasting  complaints:  hectic  fever,  with  cough,  niglit- 
sweats,  tetters  in  different  places,  red  pimples  on  the  face, 
and  particularly  on  the  neck,  and  even  for  convulsions, 
which  follow  one  or  two  weeks  after  vaccination;  also  for 
"  water  in  the  head,"  which  has  come  on  rapidly  after  the 
drying  of  the  pustule. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

ERUPTIVE  FEVERS. 

When  an  eruption  is  accompanied  by  fever,  tlie  patient  must  be  careful 
not  to  take  cold,  but  at  the  same  time  lie  should  not  keep  himself  too  warm ; 
either  may  prove  injurious.  When  there  is  no  fever  attending  the  rasli, 
tlie  complaint  is  not  of  a  serious  nature,  yet  cold  should  be  guarded  against; 
if  the  patient  takes  cold,  notwithstanding,  resort  should  be  immediately 
had  to  medicine. 

All  cases  of  eruption  attended  with  fever,  which  has  been  suppressed, 


ERUPTIVE    FKVEI-.S.  393 

require  the  same  remedies  which  are  prescribed  for  tlie  eruption  itself;  if 
not  clearly  characterized,  give  Ipecacuanha,  followed  by  Hryunia,  Cuprum, 
then  Sulphur,  then  Calcarea  in  very  severe  cases. 

A  homoeopathic  physician  will  know  at  once  which  of  these  to  choose ; 
those  who  du  not  know  which  to  choose  may  try  one  after  the  other  at 
intervals  of  about  an  hour. 

When  an  eruptive  disease  is  prevalent  in  the  neighborhood,  or  is  even 
in  the  house,  and  several  individuals  are  taken  ill  at  the  same  time  without 
a  corresponding  eruption,  but  with  a  feeling  of  contraction  about  the  chest, 
difficulty  of  breathing,  frequent  giddiness,  trembling,  faintness,  sickness  at 
the  stomach,  vomiting,  griping,  diarrhoea,  great  uneasiness,  fainting  and 
other  symptoms,  give  Ipecacuanha  to  bring  out  the  eruption,  or  prevent  the 
disease  altogether. 


MEASLES. 

Measles  are  usually  preceded  by  catarrhal  symptoms,  such  as  profuse 
watery  flow  from  the  eyes  and  nose;  short,  dry  and  distressing  cough;  the 
eyes  have  a  peculiar  watery  appearance,  and  become  more  or  less  inflamed. 

The  fever  at  times  becomes  very  high ;  nausea  and  vomiting  often  set  in, 
and  there  is  pain  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach  on  pressure.  The  eyes  are  more 
sensitive  to  light;  the  cough  more  violent  and  accompanied  by  hoarseness 
and  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  a  feeling  of  tightness  across  the  chest. 

In  from  two  to  five  days  the  eruption  appears  ;»s  small  red  spots,  of  an 
irregular  shape,  the  size  of  a  lentil  and  slightly  raised  above  the  surface. 
The  eruption  makes  its  appearance  in  the  throat  about  twenty-four  hours 
before  it  is  seen  externally  on  the  skin ;  here  it  is  usually  first  seen  about 
the  head,  near  the  borders  of  the  hair,  and  on  the  temples;  then  on  the 
forehead,  face  and  neck,  from  whence  it  spreads  to  the  trunk  and  limbs. 

If  you  press  your  finger  upon  a  single  spot,  the  redness  will  disappear, 
but  after  taking  off  the  finger,  the  redness  will  return,  first  in  the  middle 
and  tlience  spread  to  the  margin;  in  other  similar  diseases,  the  redness  re- 
turns in  the  reverse  order,  first  on  the  margin  and  then  in  the  middle. 

The  red  spots  generally  run  together  in  patches ;  in  about  five  days  from 
its  first  appearance  it  begins  to  die  away,  and  gradually  disappears  in  the 
same  order  as  it  advanced.  The  cuticle  (thin  skin)  sometimes  comes  off" in 
small  bran-like  scales,  and  the  cough  and  other  catarrhal  symptoms  yield. 

Aconitum,  the  chief  medicine  in  this  complaint,  is  espe- 
cially indicated  when  the  fever  is  violent,  with  hot,  dry 
skin;  heat  in  the  head;  giddiness;  redness  of  the  eyes 
and  dread  of  light,  and  great  weakness. 

Pulsatilla,  when  the  catarrhtil  symptoms  predominate, — 


394  ERUPTIVE    FEVERS. 

when  the  eruption  is  tardy  in  coming  out;  if  it  fails  to 
produce  an  abatement,  Sulphur  should  be  given,  and 
afterwards  Aconitum  again. 

BeUtiihmna,  when  the  throat  becomes  sore,  attended 
with  thirst,  difficulty  of  swallowing,  shooting  and  prick- 
ing pains  in  the  throat;  and  also  when  there  is  dry,  bark- 
ing or  spasmodic  cough,  worse  at  night,  with  rattling  of 
mucus;  likewise  in  those  cases  where  the  eruption  does 
not  appear,  but  there  is  headache  and  great  inflammation 
of  the  eyes;  congestion  towards  the  head. 

Euphrasia,  when  the  catarrhal  symptoms,  cough  and 
inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with  great  watering,  are  very 
prominent. 

Ipecacuanha  is  most  serviceable  in  arresting  the  vomit- 
ing; also  when  there  is  oppression  of  the  chest. 

Bryonia,  when  the  eruption  is  imperfectly  developed, 
or  when  there  is  congestion  to  the  chest,  with  shooting 
pains  or  stitches,  increased  by  taking  a  deep  inspiration; 
and  violent  dry  cough.  Sulphur  in  cases  of  congestion  or 
inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Arsenicum  will  be  required 
if  the  sickness  or  vomiting  and  oppression  of  the  chest  re- 
main after  the  use  of  Ipecacuanha.  In  the  severe  cases, 
with  typhoid  sj-mptoms,  Arsenicuvfi,  Bryonia,  Pliosphorus 
and  Rhus  will  be  useful. 

Measles  frequently  leave  behind  diseases  more  dangerous  than  them- 
selves; consequently  great  care  is  required  in  the  after  treatment. 

In  scrofulous  children,  troublesome  swelling  and  inflammation  of  the 
glands,  especially  those  of  the  neck,  are  apt  to  occur;  or  the  eyes  may  be 
affected  with  diseases,  difficult  to  cure,  and  the  foimdation  be  laid  for  con- 
sumption of  tlie  lungs. 

A  form  of  disea.><e  known  as  German  measles  has  been  somewhat  preva- 
lent in  this  country  during  the  past  few  years.  The  affection  is  not  serious, 
and  requires  according  to  the  symptoms  the  same  remedies  as  the  true 
measles.  It  is  to  be  distinguished  from  measles  by  the  appearance  of  the 
eruption,  which  is  frequently  somewhat  similar  to  that  occurring  in  scarlet 
fever.  The  absence  too  of  bronchitis  is  notable,  and  the  mildness  of  the 
entire  attack  is  conspicuous. 

From  scarlet  fever  an  attack  of  German  measles  is  recognized  by  the 


ERUrTIVE    FEVERS.  395 

slight  degree  of  fever  and  particularly  by  tlie  presence  of  catarrhal  symp- 
toms, which  are  absent  in  the  former  disease. 

For  the  cough  which  frequently  remains  after  measles, 
Bryonia,  Sulphur,  Causticum,  Ilrjoscyamus,  Drosera,  and 
other  remedies,  recommended  under  "Cough,"  are  service- 
able. Swelling  of  the  glands  in  the  neck  requires  Arnica, 
Dulcamara  or  Mercurius.  Burning  and  itching  of  the 
skin,  Nux  vomica,  Suljyhur  and  Arsenicum.  Tenderness  of 
the  skin,  Mercurius. 

When  measles  are  prevailing  as  an  epidemic,  the  ad- 
ministration of  Pulsatilla,  every  two  or  three  days,  on  the 
first  apjiearance  of  catarrhal  symptoms,  should  the  dis- 
ease be  taken,  niav  render  it  milder. 


SCARLET  FEVER,  SCARLATINA. 

In  scarlet  fever  the  skin  is  of  a  bright  red  or  yellowish-red  color,  or  like 
that  of  a  boiled  lobster,  though  it  may  be  of  a  dusky  red  or  purplish  color. 
The  eruption  fades  in  a  few  days  and  in  about  a  week  the  skin  begins  to 
peel  off. 

The  disease  often  commences  with  nausea  and  vomiting;  slight  chills  or 
creepings,  followed  by  great  heat  of  skin  and  thirst,  and  occasionally  head- 
ache, and  more  or  less  stupor  or  delirium.  The  eruption  appears  at  first 
most  on  parts  that  are  covered  and  later  on  other  parts. 

Tlie  fauc-es  are  also  of  a  red  color ;  the  tongue  is  generally  covered  with 
a  wlilte  coating,  with  enlarged  red  points. 

Tlie  tliroat  is  usually  considerably  affected,  these  symptoms  being  often 
severe  from  the  commencement.  The  tonsils  may  be  swollen;  tlie  whole 
throat  become  covered  with  grey,  yellowish,  or  white  membrane;  or  it 
assumes  a  dark  hue.     The  breath  becomes  offensive. 

The  fauces  have  sometimes  a  dark  red  appearance,  without  much  swell- 
ing; and  ulceration  or  gangrene  with  extensive  sloughing  may  speedily 
take  place. 

Sometimes  an  acrid  discharge  takes  place  from  the  nose,  the  eyes  or  ears ; 
the  glands  about  the  jaws  and  of  the^eck  become  inflamed  and  swollen. 

Scarlet  fever  sometimes  occurs  without  any  eruption  on  the  skin;  but  in- 
stead, the  mouth  and  fauces  become  affected. 

Catarrhal  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  commonly  known  as  acute  Eright's 
Disease,  is  a  sequel  of  scarlatina  which  is  somewhat  common;  as  a  conse- 
quence of  this,  dropsy  occurs  and  the  results  are  most  serious  unless  proper 


6\}b  ERUPTIVE    FEVERS. 

treatment  is  observed.  Another  very  common  result  is  inflammation  of 
the  middle  ear,  known  as  "gathering  in  the  head."  Discharge  of  matter 
soon  occurs  and  much  destruction  of  the  hearing  apparatus  may  take  place. 
Deafness  frequently  follows  and  in  young  children  it  is  a  not  uncommon 
cause  of  deaf-mutism. 

Aconitum  may  be  administered  in  the  very  beginning, 
before  the  eruption  makes  its  appearance,  when  the  fever 
is  high,  pulse  rapid,  head  hot,  hands  and  feet  cold,  twitch- 
ing of  the  fingers,  and  tossing  about. 

Belladonna,  in  the  simple  forms  of  scarlet  fever  when 
the  eruption  is  bright  red ;  it  should  also  be  given  as  soon 
as  the  throat  and  tongue  become  affected  with  dryness 
and  burning,  and  there  is  excessive  thirst,  but  inability  to 
swallow ;  bright  red  appearance  of  the  throat  and  tongue ; 
swelling  of  the  tonsils  and  stifthcss  of  the  jaws  and  neck, 
and  delirium. 

Ilcrcurius  after  Belladonna,  when  the  latter  has  failed 
to  produce  a  favorable  change,  and  there  is  ulceration  of 
the  tonsils,  with  increase  of  mucus,  and  swelling  of  the 
tongue,  throat  and  tonsils. 

Bryonia,  when  the  erujition  does  not  come  out  well. 

Bhus  tox.  If  Belladonna  lias  been  given  without  effect 
and  there  is  delirious  talking,  with  dry  tongue  and  pick- 
ing at  the  lips. 

Pulsatilla  for  great  restlessness,  jerking  of  the  limbs, 
pains  in  hands  and  feet  and  sleeplessness. 

Lachesis,  the  children  are  very  cross;  the  eruption  is 
dark  in  color  and  scanty,  and  diphtheritic  membrane  in- 
vades the  throat.  Should  Laches-is  not  be  efficient  in  stop- 
ping the  progress  of  the  disease,  Lycopodium  may  be  given. 

Arsenicum,  when  the  ulcers  of  the  throat  turn  livid 
about  the  edges,  and  emit  an  offensive  odor ;  great  thirst, 
restlessness  and  extreme  prostration  of  strength,  eruption 
pale  and  scanty. 

In  the  malignant  form,  Arsenicum,  Lycopodium  and 
Phosphoric  acid  will  be  found  of  most  service. 


ERUPTIVE    FEVERS.  397 

It  has  been  recommended  to  rub  the  patient  two  or 
three  times  a  day  all  over  with  bacon  or  SM'eet  oil ;  the 
children  like  this  rubbing  very  much,  as  soon  as  they 
know  how  good  it  feels. 

The  diseases  which  follow  scarlet  fever  are  often  worse 
than  the  original  sickness.  If  the  child's  neck  commen- 
ces to  swell,  give  BJtns.  If  the  glands  on  both  sides  of 
the  neck  swell,  and  Bhus  does  no  good,  give  Arsenicum; 
if  the  glands  break,  and  discharge  thin,  offensive  matter, 
Calcarea.  These  cases  should  always  be  treated  by  a 
homoeopathic  physician. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  guard  the  children 
against  taking  cold,  and  to  be  very  careful  in  regard  to 
their  diet.  As  long  as  the  small  particles  of  the  skin 
come  off,  the  children  must  not  go  into  the  open  air.  At 
this  time  it  is  most  t;ontagious.  No  child  having  had 
scarlet  fever  should  be  permitted  to  go  with  other  child- 
ren under  four  or  five  weeks,  as  the  danger  of  contagion 
is  usually  not  over  until  this  period  has  elapsed.  The 
children  may  be  daily  washed  with  bran-water,  wear 
flannel  undershirts,  and  take  exercise  in  the  room.  They 
may  eat  plenty  of  fruit,  particularly  apples,  but  nothing 
fat.  The  clothing  worn  during  the  sickness  must  be 
thoroughly  disinfected  by  means  of  baking  or  boiling, 
the  room  well  cleaned  and  disinfected,  best  by  burning 
sulphur  in  it,  and  the  playthings  and  books  used  by  the 
child  destroyed  or  exposed  to  heat  for  a  long  time.  The 
germs  of  the  disease  are  not  easily  destroyed,  and  retain 
their  vitality  for  weeks  or  months. 

If  they  should  catch  cold,  and  dropsy  occur,  give  Ar- 
senicum or  Bryonia;  later,  sometimes.  Belladonna  or  Cal- 
carea. If  their  skin  feels  cool,  Carbo  vegetabilis.  If  they 
complain  of  heat,  and  cannot  bear  the  warm  room,  and 
particularly  if  small  blackish  particles  are  deposited  by 
their  urine,  or  if  the  urine  coagulates  when  heated,  like 
white  of  eggs,  give  Apis. 


398  ERUPTIVE   FEVERS. 

Belladonna  may  be  given  as  a  preventive  against 
scarlet  fever  when  it  is  prevailing  as  an  epidemic;  and 
also  in  modifying  the  disease.  A  dose  of  the  medicine 
may  he  taken  every  day. 


SCARLET  RASH. 

Is  the  name  commonly  given  to  the  lighter  forms  of  scarlet  fever.  The 
treatment  need  not  difier  from  that  already  given,  nor  must  fewer  precau- 
tion, be  taken  to  prevent  the  disease  being  contracted  by  others. 


CHICKEN-POX. 

This  disease  is  similar  to,  though  bearing  no  relationship  with,  small- 
pox. Tlie  eruption  is  preceded  for  a  day  by  a  mild  degree  of  fever.  Some- 
times however,  the  fever  is  very  great.  The  eruption  appears,  but  within 
a  few  hours  developes  into  vesicles  or  blisters.  The  general  mildness  of 
the  attack,  the  rapid  development  of  the  eruption,  the  short  course  of  the 
disease,  and  the  appearance  of  the  vesicles,  which  do  not  possess  the  circle 
of  inflammation  about  them  as  in  small-pox,  and  which  do  not  become  de- 
pressed in  the  centre,  and  finally,  which  leave  no  scabs  unless  they  have 
been  scratched  open,  distinguish  this  disease  from  small-pox. 

It  generally  passes  off  without  requiring  any  medical  assistance;  when, 
however,  there  is  a  considerable  degree  of  fever,  Aconitnm  may  be  given; 
when  there  is  much  headache  or  congestion  to  the  head,  Belladonna. 
If  the  eruption  is  considerable,  Antimoniiim  tart.,  or  Mercurius  may  be 
beneficial. 


SMALL-POX. 

Small-pox  begins  with  a  great  deal  of  fever,  headache  and  back.ache,  the 
latter  symptom  being  the  most  marked.  Sometimes  convulsions  or  other 
severe  nervous  symptoms  occur.  The  eruption  appears  at  the  end  of  the 
third  day,  and  consists  of  small  red  spots,  which  are  seen  first  on  the  face. 
These  jiresent  a  granular  feeling  to  the  touch  as  if  a  small  shot  or  seed 
were  under  the  skin.  The  eruption  then  appears  on  the  body  and  after- 
wards on  the  limbs.  On  the  second  day  of  the  eruption  it  changes  to  a 
little  blister  or  vesicle,  the  contents  of  which  change  to  a  milky  fluid  and 
tlie  centre  of  the  pock  is  depressed,  thougli  after  some  days  this  depression 
is  oblherated.  It  takes  about  nine  days  from  the  first  appearance  of  tlie 
eruption  until  its  full  maturity.     The  full  development  of  the  eruption  is 


ERUPTIVE    FEVERS.  399 

marked  by  an  amelioration  of  all  the  symptoms,  but  in  a  day  or  two  the 
fever  rises  again  and  the  second  stage  or  tliat  of  suppuration  begins.  This 
lasts  but  a  short  time  and  then  the  pocks  begin  to  dry  up.  When  the 
eruption  is  very  profuse  and  the  pocks  run  into  one  another  the  term  con- 
Jiuent  is  used.  These  cases  are  the  most  serious.  When  death  occurs  it  is 
usually  between  the  eighth  and  the  eleventh  day.  Small-pox  is  a  very 
serious  disease,  and  in  epidemics  the  mortality  is  often  twenty-five  per  cent. 
Under  homoeopathic  treatment,  however,  it  is  much  less.  Keeping  the  face 
covered  with  a  cloth  mask  which  is  smeared  on  its  under  surface  with  cos- 
moline  is  one  of  the  best  methods  of  preventing  pitting.  The  hygiene  of 
the  sick  room  must  be  of  the  best.  The  patient  must  be  kept  absolutely 
clean ;  the  linen  changed  frequently.  During  the  early  stages  a  low  diet 
and  later  a  very  nutritious  one  is  demanded. 

Aconitum,i{  there  are  congestions  to  the  head  or  kings ; 
injected  eyes;  fulness  in  the  chest,  with  increased  action 
of  the  heart;  and  great  restlessness  before  the  eruption. 

Belladonna  also  before  the  eruption,  if  there  is  delirium 
with  headache;  red  face;  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  with 
anxious  look ;  intolerance  of  noise ;  and  later,  if  the  pus- 
tules are  too  red. 

Bryonia.  Headache  and  backache;  cough,  with  sore- 
ness in  the  chest;  constipation;  or  if  the  eruption  is  de- 
layed, with  a  sensation  as  if  the  flesh  had  been  bruised. 

Variolinum  is  the  most  important  remedy,  and  is  to  be 
given  as  soon  as  the  vesicles  begin  to  form,  afterwards 
sometimes  Rhus,  Hepar  or  Sulphur. 

Mercurius.  Sore  throat;  ulcerations  about  the  eyes  and 
nose;  foetid  breath;  and  pains  in  the  bowels,  with  per- 
spiration and  diarrhoea. 

Arsenicum,  when  the  pocks  become  depressed,  and  the 
patients  are  very  restless,  anxious,  delirious,  twitch  and 
throw  themselves  about;  or  the  belly  bloats  and  is  very 
sensitive  to  touch,  and  diarrhoea  sets  in. 

Sulphur,  when  the  pustules  begin  to  fill,  and  for  the 
itching  during  the  drying  stage. 

Antimonium  tart,  is  useful,  if  there  is  drowsiness  with 
gaping;  coolness  and  clamminess  of  the  skin ;  or  sickness 
of  stomach  when  the  eruption  ought  to  appear.  The 
eruption  becomes  black. 


400  DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN. 

VARIOLOID. 

In  varioloid  the  similarity  to  small-pox  is  marked,  but  the  disease  is  not 
so  severe,  the  eruption  not  so  profuse  and  of  much  shorter  duration..  In 
short,  the  disease  is  a  modified  small-pox. 

Belladonna,  if  there  is  headache  and  coated  tongue. 
Sulphur,  to  hasten  tlie  drying  of  the  eruption. 
But  there  are  many  cases  which  run  a  longer  time,  and 
require  remedies  like  those  for  small-pox. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

All  chronic  skin  diseases,  such  as  tetter,  salt  rheum  and  the  like,  ought 
always  to  be  treated  by  a  homoeopathic  physician.  External  remedies 
are  to  be  used  only  in  exceptional  cases,  they  are  often  injurious,  and 
remedies  should  always  be  first  tried  given  inwardly.  Much  depends  in 
the  manner  of  living,  and  often  some  favorite  dish  is  at  fault. 

One  should  bathe  often,  drink  much  water,  refrain  from  eating  acrid 
foods ;  little  salt,  but  rather  more  sugar. 


ITCHING  OF  THE  SKIN. 

This  is  usually  a  symptom  of  some  other  disease  by  which  we  may  be 
guided  in  the  choice  of  a  remedy.  If,  however,  the  itching  appears  to  be 
the  only  or  chief  symptom,  try  to  alleviate  the  irritation  by  brushing  the 
whole  body ;  if  this  does  not  answer,  by  washing  with  warm  water ;  and 
lastly,  use  water  with  soap.  If  this  does  not  remove  it,  take  Sulphur. 
When  it  is  worse  in  particular  places,  and  you  cannot  keep  from  scratch- 
ing them  until  they  bleed,  rub  these  parts  with  fresh  olive  oil,  so  as  to 
moisten  the  skin  in  the  first  place,  ami  then  dry  it  again  by  rubbing  it 
slowly.  When  the  itching  is  iin.rc  trnuliK-M.iiio  at  night,  wash  the  parts  in 
the  evening  with  brandy,  but  win  n  the  w  hule  body  is  affected,  or  when 
women  or  children  suffer  in  this  way,  take  si:inh  of  wheat  flour  and  pow- 
der the  skin  thickly  with  it.  In  i  :i>f  \i  luii'  none  of  these  things  give  re- 
lief, take  camphor  and  mix  it  iviili  llic  sliiivh,  or  wash  the  parts  with 
water  in  which  camphor,  previously  dissolved  in  spirits,  has  been  mixed. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  401 

Many  kinds  of  itching  may  be  quickly  cured  by  medicines ;  for  instance 
if  it  always  commences  when  undressing,  Nux  vomica  or  Arsenicum  will  gen- 
erally relieve  it;  when  it  is  very  troublesome  after  gettin";  into  bed.  as  if 
caused  by  insects,  and  when  scratclied,  moves  from  one  ]j|ar.-  tu  aimther, 
give /yna(ia.  When  it  does  not  commence  until  the  pMiitiit  has  lnTume 
warm  in  bed,  Pukatitla;  if  this  does  not  answer,  Mercuriun,  parliciilarly 
wlien  it  continues  the  whole  night;  if  not  relieved,  give  Sulphur  a  couple 
of  days  after,  and  later,  Carbo  vegetabilis  ;  when  the  itching  is  accomi)anied 
by  intense  burning,  give  Rhus,  or  Apis,  or  afterwards  Hepar;  when  scratdi- 
ing  produces  a  great  deal  of  bleeding,  give  Mcrcurius  and  Sulphur,  aUer- 
nately,  every  week,  until  better. 


ITCH.   SCABIES. 

It  is  very  easy  to  get  rid  of  the  itcli  by  ointments  or  other  outward  ap- 
plications, it  does  not  require  any  skill  to  do  this.  The  suppression  of  the 
itch  always  causes  otlier  diseases  wliich  appear  sometiims  directly,  snme- 
times  after  a  few  weeks,  and  in  other  cases  only  after  yeai>;  the  hiiir  they 
appear  the  more  difficult  they  are  to  cure.  It  is,  thercluiL',  sLiiselLss  and 
wrong  to  expose  oneself  to  such  a  danger,  be  the  trouble  from  the  com- 
plaint ever  so  great. 

Amongst  the  many  kinds  of  itch  which  trouble  man,  there  is  one  caused 
by  the  presence  of  a  very  small  mite  under  the  scarf  skin,  where  it  makes 
its  tracks  and  deposits  its  eggs,  causing  the  eruption  of  little  pustules.  All 
cleanly  persons  will  observe  this  the  first  day.  You  can  see  the  tracks 
distinctly  enough,  but  it  requires  great  experience  and  very  good  eyes  to 
see  the  mite. 

In  tlie  very  first  beginning,  one  may  always  get  rid  of  the  itch  easily, 
and  without  danger,  liy  outward  applications. 

\  good  preventive  and  protection  is  the  balsam-apple;  put  a  few 
branches  of  the  plant  into  the  bed.  Also  balsam  of  Peru,  shaken  with 
water  as  a  wasli,  will  drive  away  the  mites  and  prevent  infection.  But  if 
the  eruption  has  already  appeared,  take  of  the  finest  powder  of  sulphur, 
sold  by  druggists  under  the  name  of  milk  of  sulphur,  pour  alcohol  upon  it, 
shake  and  let  it  settle ;  mix  a  teaspoonful  of  the  clear  fluid  with  a  pint  of 
water,  and  wash  witli  this  mixture  all  parts  which  itch.  If  it  gives  no  re- 
lief make  it  stronger;  if  you  can  see  their  traces,  put  sonje  of  this  alcohol 
upon  them  with  a  camel's  hair  brush.  If  the  pustides  are  large  and  full, 
it  is  better  to  shake  some  common  mercur)-  with  alcohol  and  use  it  the 
same  way. 

In  ca.ses  in  whicli  the  washing  does  no  good,  because  there  are  no  mites 
present,  take : 

Mcrcurius,  and  after  a  few  days  Sulphur,  and  so  on  alter- 
26 


402  DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN. 

ternately ;  if  it  gets  better  do  not  then  take  them  so  often ; 
if  it  does  not  improve  at  all,  take  other  remedies. 

Carho  vegetabilis  every  other  day,  if  the  vesicles  are 
small  and  dry;  or  Hepar,  once  night  and  morning. 

If  the  pustules  are  large,  take  Mercurius;  then  Sulphur, 
and  afterwards  C'austicuvi,  night  and  morning,  in  water. 
If  the  pustules  are  large,  and  become  yellow  and  blue, 
take  Lachesis;  repeat  it  as  often  as  the  pains  get  worse. 

If  it  disappears  too  suddenly,  take  Sulphur  or  Arsenicum 
until  it  returns. 


ROSEOLA. 

Roseola  consists  of  an  eruption  of  rose-colored  spots  of  varying  size, 
greatly  resembling  measles.  There  is  slight  fever,  and  often  some  redness 
df  the  throat.  The  eruption  fades  in  a  few  days,  and  is  attended  by  no 
catarrhal  symptoms.  It  frequently  depends  on  some  derangement  of  the 
stomach  or  bowels,  is  more  common  in  warm  weatlier,  and  is  most  com- 
mon in  young  children.  The  disease  is  not  serious  nor  contagious,  and 
usually  only  needs  according  to  the  symptoms:  Aconiiuvi,  Belladonna  or 
Pulsatilla,  for  its  treatment. 


NETTLE  RASH.    URTICARIA. 

As  indicated  by  the  name,  this  eruption  looks  like  the  patches  or  wlieals 
caused  by  the  stings  of  nettles.  The  olcvatii  ms  arc  generally  of  a  red  color, 
with  white  wheals  on  the  surface.  S.uiii  umus,  hcwiver,  there  is  little  or 
no  redness,  and  the  elevated  parts  are  \<:\\iv  than  tlic  surface  around  them. 

The  eruption  is  always  attended  liy  |iii.  kin^  and  itching,  especially  when 
the  jiaticnt  jicts  wai-!u  in  Ind;  ainl  ii  i-  iih-ily  preceded  by  nausea  or  vuiu- 
itini;,  loss  of  ai))ietile,  thirst,  fiiiieil  loiimu-,  etc.  In  some  instances,  indeed, 
the  skin  is  very  liot  and  dry,  ami  the  ]iulse  gre.atly  accelerated. 

This  disease  may  originate  from  some  jiarticular  article  of  diet;  in  some 
persons  sheU-fisl^  invariably  produce  it;  in  others  it  is  induced  by  bitter 
almonds,  vinegar,  salad,  cucumbers,  mushrooms,  honey,  etc. 

Aconitum,  if  the  eruption  is  i^receded  by  muih  fev(_'r, 
with  hot,  dry  .skin,  thirst,  furred  tongue,  hard  and  quick 
pulse,  restles-sness  and  anxiety. 

Dulcamara,  when  excited  by  exposure  to  cold  or  damp. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  403 

when  occurring  in  wet  weather,  or  when  attended  with 
some  fever,  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth,  diarrhoea  at  night, 
foul  tongue,  and  violent  itching  and  burning. 

Pulsatilla,  when  the  eruption  has  been  produced  by  eat- 
ing unwholesome  food,  and  is  attended  by  looseness  of  the 
bowels  in  the  morning.  This  remedy  is  particularly  suit- 
able for  females  and  persons  of  a  mild  temper. 

Rhus,  when  arising  from  some  peculiarity  of  constitu- 
tion, in  which  the  attacks  are  excited  by  some  particular 
article  of  food. 

Bryonia,  when  the  eruption  has  suddenly  disappeared 
from  the  surface,  and  is  followed  bj'  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing, pain  in  the  breast,  etc. 

Belladonna  should  be  given  when  the  eruption  is  at- 
tended by  violent  headache  and  red  face;  the  children 
cry  much;  the  patches  are  yellowish-red,  and  rubbing 
eases  the  itching. 

Apis,  if  the  patches  are  bluish-red,  or  pale  and  trans- 
parent, with  much  swelling,  itcliing,  stinging  and  burn- 
ing; rubbing  cannot  be  borne  at  all,  or  if  hard  rubbing 
only  gives  relief;  the  children  become  angry  easily. 

Hepar,  when  attended  by  severe  catarrhal  symptoms, 
principally  affecting  the  head,  and  worse  on  one  side;  if 
commencing  on  the  arms  and  chest ;  worse  in  the  open 
air ;  for  persons  of  a  violent,  irritable  temper. 

Cepa,  when  accompanied  by  catarrh;  if  the  eruption 
begins  on  the  thighs;  is  better  in  the  open  air;  for  sleepy, 
fearful  and  anxious  persons. 

Nux  vomica  is  indicated  when  the  eruption  is  excited 
by  indulgence  in  spirituous  or  malt  liquors. 

Arsenicum,  if  caused  by  eating  unripe  fruit,  or  in  severe 
cases,  worse  at  night,  followed  by  a  croup-like  cough ;  also 
after  the  disease  has  been  suddenly  suppressed. 

Calcarea,  when  the  eruption  always  appears  more  after 
cold  washing,  or  has  been  suddenly  repelled. 

Spirits  of  camphor  (a  drop  on  sugar)  will  sometimes  re- 


404  DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN. 

move  the  disease,  when  it  siuklenly  comes  on  after  taking 
acid  fruit  or  vinegar. 

External  applications  of  all  kinds  should  be  avoided  in 
this  as  well  as  in  other  acute  eruptive  diseases,  as  their 
use  is  liable  to  cause  a  sudden  disappearance  of  the  erup- 
tion, which  may  have  serious  or  fatal  consequences. 

Ill  the  chronic  forms  of  this  disease,  the  remedies  which 
have  been  found  useful  are,  C'alcarea,  Lycopodium,  Causti- 
cum,  Sulj^hur  and  Carbo  vegeiabilis. 


ERYSIPELAS.   ST.  ANTHONY'S  FIRE.    ROSE. 

Aconite  is  indicated  in  cases  attended  by  much  fever, 
hot,  dry  skin,  thirst,  etc. 

Bellodonna,  in  erysipelas  accompanied  with  acute  shoot- 
ing pains,  heat  and  tingling;  the  redness  commencing  in 
a  small  spot  and  extending  in  rays;  swelling.  It  is  par- 
ticuhirly  valuable  in  erysipelas  of  the  face;  excessive 
swelling,  so  that  the  eyes  are  closed,  and  the  features  can 
scarcely  be  recognized;  headache;  thirst;  hot,  dry  skin; 
restlessness  and  delirium. 

Rhus,  if  small  or  large  blisters  appear;  or  Graphites. 

Bryonia,  when  the  disease  attacks  the  joints,  and  the 
pain  is  increased  by  the  least  movement.  Sulphur  is 
sometimes  required  after  Bryonia. 

Lachesis,  if  the  blisters  become  bluish. 

Apis,  if  it  burns  and  stings,  and  if  the  patients  do  not 
like  to  be  touched,  become  ill-humored,  and  cannot  bear 
the  warm  room. 

Pulsatilla  after  Rhus,  particularly  in  wundering  erysip- 
elas (when  the  redness  disappears  in  one  place,  to  reap- 
pear in  another),  and  the  skin  is  more  of  a  bluish-red; 
also  in  erysifjelas  of  the  ear;  and  likewise  when  the  at- 
tacks follow  some  particular  articles  of  food,  in  persons 
predisposed  to  the  complaint.  Bryonia  and  Rhus  are 
also  useful  in  cases  of  this  kind. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIX.  405 

Arsenicum,  when  the  erysipelas  assumes  a  blackish  hue, 
with  a  tendency  to  gangrene,  accompanied  by  great  pros- 
tration of  strength. 

Carbo  vegetabUis  may  in  some  instances  follow  Arsenicimi. 

Hepar,  Mercurius  and  Phosphorus  are  of  importance 
when  the  erysipelas  terminates  in  abscess.  Arsenicum 
and  Sulphur  in  cases  terminating  in  ulceration.  And  in 
some  of  the  chronic  forms,  Silicea,  Sulphur  and  Hepar  will 
prove  serviceable,  but  it  is  much  better  to  consult  a 
homoeopathic  physician,  even  at  a  distance. 

To  allay  the  itching  and  heat  which  is  sometimes  intolerable,  cotton 
wool  may  be  laid  upon  or  wrapped  around  the  afiected  -part,  or  powdered 
starch  may  be  dusted  over  the  surface.  Greasy  applications  and  washes  of 
every  kind  should  be  prohibited,  as  tliey  almost  always  aggravate  the  dis- 
ease, and  may  prove  highly  dangerous  by  suddenly  repelling  the  eruption. 

If  erysipelas  has  been  repelled,  give  Cuprum,  which  is  also  serviceable 
if  the  erysipelas  was  at  first  slight,  then  disappeared  and  returned  in  a 
more  violent  form. 


BOIL.   FURUNCLE. 

A  boil  consists  of  a  painful,  hard,  round,  or  rather  a  cone-shaped  tumor, 
which  inflames  and  suppurates;  the  matter  discharged  being  mixed  with 
blood,  and  afterwards  composed  of  pus,  and  a  whitish,  round,  elongated, 
liard  mass  called  a  core  is  formed. 

Some  persons  have  a  peculiar  constitutional  predispo- 
sition for  boils;  they  also  frequently  follow  after  acute 
fevers,  and  other  diseases. 

Arnica  will  lessen  the  pain  and  inflammation,  and  fre- 
quently prevent  their  recurrence. 

Sulphur  in  cases  where  there  is  a  frequent  return  of  boils. 
By  giving  Arnica  while  the  boil  is  inflamed  and  swollen, 
and  a  dose  of  Sulphur  occasionally,  after  it  has  healed, 
this  predisposition  may  be  gradually  removed. 

Belladonna,  if  it  presents  a  fiery -red  or  erysipelatous 
appearance,  or  if  it  is  attended  by  swelling  of  the  glands 
under  the  arms,  or  in  the  groins,  with  fever,  thirst  and 
headache. 


406  DISEASES   OF    THE    SKIN. 

Hepar,  in  cases  where  the  suppuration  is  too  slow  and 
scanty. 

Mercurius,  if  the  suppuration  is  profuse,  and  the  swell- 
ing remains. 

Lacliesis  for  very  painful  boils  which  become  bluish 
and  form  rapidly. 

CARBUNCLE.   MALIGNANT  FURUNCLE. 

It  is  larger  and  liarder  than  a  boil,  extends  further,  is  of  a  livid  hue 
and  opens  in  several  places;  the  patient  sufi'ers  more,  generally  there 
is  sleeplessness,  prostration,  want  of  appetite,  etc.  After  it  has  opened 
there  is  no  relief,  and  finally,  portions  of  the  skin  and  deeper  parts  slough. 

It  appears  more  frequently  in  old  or  debilitated  persons,  and  is  inclined 
to  appear  on  the  back,  near  the  spine  or  on  the  back  of  the  neck.  Cases 
in  persons  whose  general  health  has  previously  been  undermined,  and 
those  which  are  treated  improperly  may  end  fatally. 

Arnica  given  at  the  very  first  may  lessen  the  pain,  and 
prevent  it  altogether;  if  so,  Nux  vomica  will  remove  the 
remaining  symptoms,  particularly  in  old  drunkards. 

Arsenicum,  as  soon  as  it  is  spreading,  with  a  burning  . 
pain,  worse  at  night;  great  general  weakness;  restlessness 
at  night;  also  when  the  sloughing  is  attended  with  a 
violent  burning  pain,  and  prostrates  very  much;  if  the 
patient  is  irritable  and  despairing. 

Hepar,  if  the  patient  is  weakened  by  the  copious  dis- 
charge; the  openings  run  together  and  form  a  large 
cavity;  if  there  is  weakness  of  voice. 

Silicea,  pain  and  burning  moderate;  the  patient  not 
altered  in  his  mind,  or  of  a  mild  temper;  or  if  lie  cannot 
sleep  for  restlessness  and  heat  in  the  head;  sweat  on  the 
head;  or  if  he  has  a  festering  skin. 

Lachesis  if  bluish  spots  or  blue  blisters  appear,  or  if 
little  sores  come  out  around  the  larger  one. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  407 

WHITLOW.    FELON. 

Poultices  of  bread  and  milk,  linseed  meal,  or  yeast,  sometimes  give  re- 
lief, and  are  always  useful  in  softening  the  skin.  Applications  of  warm 
soft  scKip,  or  common  brown  soap,  to  the  aflected  part,  will  occasionally  re- 
move the  pain  and  swelling.  But  in  most  cases  such  applications  only 
hasten  a  superficial  suppuration,  and  make  the  case  more  serious  and  pain- 
ful in  the  end. 

It  i.s  much  better  to  apply  nothing  but  cloths,  wet  with  cold  or  warm 
water,  whichever  agrees  best,  and  keep  them  wet  day  and  night,  while 
taking  one  of  the  following  internal  remedies: 

McTcurins  should  be  given  in  the  commencement,  and 
will  often  prevent  the  disease  from  going  on  to  suppura- 
tion. Sulphur,  taken  after  it,  will  frequently  complete 
the  cure. 

Hepar,  when  the  pain  becomes  violent,  throbbing,  and 
the  swelling  increases.  Causticum  after  Hepar,  if  this  did 
no  good  at  all. 

Silicea,  if  Hepar  improved  it  somewhat,  but  when  the 
pain  is  intense,  and  the  swelling  continues  unabated. 

Lachesis,  in  cases  where  the  affected  part  is  of  a  deep  red 
or  bluish  color. 

Arsenicum  should  be  given  if  the  sore  becomes  angry- 
looking  or  black,  with  burning  pain. 

Sulphur  and  Silicea,  administered  alternately,  at  inter- 
vals of  six  or  eight  days,  will  remove  the  tendency  to  a 
return  of  the  disease. 

It  may  sometimes  be  necessary,  after  matter  is  formed, 
in  order  to  relieve  the  sufferings  of  the  patient,  to  lay 
open  the  parts  freely  with  a  knife. 


ULCERS. 

In  the  treatment  of  a  simple  ulcer  in  a  person  of  sound  constitution,  all 
that  is  necessary  is  to  dress  it  with  some  mild  and  fresh  ointment,  as  for 
example,  cosmoline;  spread  on  lint  or  on  a  fine  linen  rag,  to  protect  it 
from  external  injury  and  prevent  the  evaporati<jn  of  pus.  In  some  cases 
the  dry  lint  alone  will  answer  best,  and  in  others  cold  bread  and  milk 


408  DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN. 

poultices  are  useful.  The  cold  water  dressing,  linen  cloths  dipped  in  cold 
water  and  applied  to  the  ulcer,  are  beneficial  in  some  cases.  They  must 
be  kept  moist  by  being  frequently  changed,  or  by  covering  them  over  with 
oiled  silk  or  gutta  percha  tissue. 

When  ulcers  are  of  long  continuance,  it  is  best  to  consult  a  homoeo- 
pathic physician.  They  ought  to  be  healed  slowly,  otherwise  a  different 
and  more  violent  disease  may  be  the  coasequence.  Drying  them  up  with 
vitriol  or  wliite  lead  or  lead-water,  is  always  dangerous. 

When  the  pain  is  very  violent,  stinging  and  burning,  it  may  often  be  re- 
lieved by  keeping  the  'part  in  an  elevated  posture,  and  applying  cold  or 
warm  water,  by  means  of  cloths  dipped  in  it,  and  frequently  renewed.  In 
unhealthy-looking  ulcers,  with  a  tendency  to  sloughing,  and  when  the 
pain  is  very  violent  and  stinging,  a  poultice  made  with  yeast  and  bread 
will  be  found  useful  for  cleansing  the  ulcer  and  allaying  the  pain. 

Some  old  indolent  ulcers  of  the  legs  are  only  to  be  cured  by  j)erfect  rest, 
or  by  tightly  bandaging  the  limb,  from  the  toes  upwards  to  above  the  ulcer, 
with  strips  of  adhesive  plaster. 

A  later  and  better  method  consists  in  the  use  of  the  rubber  bandage,  of 
which  a  particular  sort  is  made  especially  for  this  purpose.  This  same 
treatment  applies  to  enlarged  veins  of  the  legs.  These  enlarged  veins,  by 
the  way,  are  often  the  cause  of  the  indolent  ulcers  already  spoken  of. 

For  ulcers  which  bum  greatly,  give  Arsenicum;  when  they  burn  and 
smell  offensively,  Carbo  vegetabilis;  when  they  spread,  and  are  surrounded 
by  pustules  or  small  ulcers,  give  Lachesis. 

Ulcers  on  the  toes,  especially  of  old  people,  commencing  with  a  blister, 
as  if  caused  by  a  burn,  are  cured  by  Silicea;  if,  at  the  outset,  there  are 
blue  black  spots,  by  Arsenicum,  especially  if  warmth  is  agreeable;  but  if 
warmth  produces  pain,  Secale  is  most  suitable.  In  all  such  cases,  the  use 
of  salves  containing  white  lead  is  very  dangerous. 

Ulcers  around  an  old  wart,  or  around  corns  and  the  like,  may  be  cured 
by  Antimonium  crudum.  Ointments  of  lead  or  mercury  will  dry  them  up 
speedily,  but  serious  consequences  may  erisue,  as  the  result  of  such  treat- 
ment. 

INGROWING  TOE  NAILS. 

Great  pain  and  sometimes  ulcers  may  be  caused  by  the  toe  nails  growing 
into  the  flesh.  The  common  remedy  is  to  cut  the  nail,  and  particularly  in 
the  .side  where  it  has  grown  in ;  tlie  consequence  of  this  is,  that  the  nail 
grows  the  faster  there,  and  in  a  short  time  the  patient  is  again  in  the  same 
predicament.  Cutting  the  nail  should  only  be  resorted  to  when  it  is  of 
consecjuence  that  the  patient  should  walk  again  immediately;  when  a  lit- 
tle lint,  gutta  percha  or  tin-foil,  can  be  introduced  with  a  dull  pen-knile 
between  the  nail  and  the  skin,  it  is  to  be  preferred.  A  handy  person  may 
do  this  himself;  soak  the  feet  previously  in  warm  water,  which  will  facili- 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  409 

tate  the  operation.  Wlien  there  is  much  proud  flesh,  strew  some  finely 
powdered  loaf  sugar  or  burnt  alum  on  it  twice  a  day,  and  use  the  foot  as 
little  iis  possible  for  a  couple  of  days.  At  the  same  time  scrape  the  nail  in 
the  middle  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  repeat  this  operation  every  day  until 
it  is  as  tliin  as  it  can  be  made  without  hurting.  By  these  means  the  sides 
will  heal  much  quicker,  and  the  nail  is  more  easily  bent  out,  so  as  to  in- 
troduce the  lint  between  the  skin  and  the  nail.  When  the  edges  of  the 
nail  are  rough,  scrape  them  smooth,  but  do  not  cut  them. 

The  only  means  of  curing  this  evil  efiectually,  is  to  cut  the  nail  fre- 
quently, but  not  in  the  shape  of  the  toe,  so  that  the 
middle    projects   farthest,  but    the    very  reverse. 
Leave  the  sides  as  they  are,  and  cut  tlie  centre  out 
.   _     .,^^^_^^.„     as  far  as  possible,  as  shown  in  the  wood  cut.    A, 
^*  «   rm-  l\    the  part  to  be  scraped  otl;  B,  a  linen  tape  or  some 

linen  threads  passed  under  the  nail.  This  need 
not  be  done  at  once,  but  gradually ;  bathe  the  feet 
every  week  in  warm  water,  and  cut  the  nail  as  di- 
rected. The  nail  will  in  consequence,  grow  more 
i|l  the  centre  and  lesson  the  sides;  if,  after  some 
time,  the  edges  project  too  much,  a  trifle  may  be 
cut  off;  when  it  injures  the  stockings,  put  a  leather  case  oVer  it.  Not  un- 
til after  the  expiration  of  a  twelve-month,  should  the  nail  be  allowed  to 
grow  out  even  again,  but  never  cut  it  very  deep  or  close  at  the  sides,  as 
this  is  generally  the  cause  of  the  evil. 

The  soreness  arising  from  the  growing  of  the  nails  into  the  flesh,  will 
mostly  disappear  as  soon  as  sufficient  lint,  tin-foil  or  gutta  percha  has  been 
introduced  between  the  nail  and  the  flesh ;  the  lint  may,  in  addition,  be 
moistened  by  water  mixed  with  Tincture  of  Arnica.  If  this  is  not  entirely 
effectual,  or  if  the  places  are  becoming  ulcerated,  Nux  vomica  will  act  bene- 
ficially. If  there  is  already  a  sore,  and  the  above  remedies  should  not 
speedily  afford  relief,  do  not  be  induced  to  have  the  nail  removed  or  split. 
This  barliarous  operation  may  always  be  avoided  by  following  the  advice 
given  above,  and  particularly  when  homreopathic  remedies  are  taken  at 
the  same  time;  among  these  the  principal  are:  Sulphur,  Arsenicum,  Silicea, 
and  Carbo  vegelabilis.  Select  one  according  to  the  kind  of  pains,  disposi- 
tion of  the  patient,  etc. 


ABSCESS. 

An  acute  abscess  should  not  be  poulticed  witli  warm  bread  and  milk,  or 
linseed  poultices,  except  in  extreme  cases.  It  is  much  better  to  use  noth- 
ing but  warm  or  cold  water,  as  in  whitlow.  Hepar  or  Mercuriug  hastens 
the  suppuration.  Under  skilful  homrpopathic  treatment,  it  is  hardly  ever 
necessary  or  advisable  to  open  the  aliscoss  witli  the  lancet.  Hepar,  3d 
trit.,  in  water,  will  hasten  the  breaking  open  quite  sufiiciently. 


410  DISEASES   OF   THE   SKIN. 

If  the  suppuration  should  continue  for  a  considerable  length  of  time, 
Silicea.     When  hard  places  remain,  Mercurim  will  be  useful. 

For  hard  and  swelled  glands  on  the  neck,  and  under  the  chin  or  ears, 
Mercurius,  Dalcamara,  Catcarea  carboitica,  etc.,  are  principal  remedies. 


CHILBLAIN.    FROSTBITE. 

The  mild  forms  of  this  complaint  may  frequently  be  cured  by  applica- 
tions of  ice  water  or  snow.  Covering  the  part  with  carded  cotton  will 
sometimes,  in  mild  cases,  effect  a  cure.  Another  application  is  common 
glue,  prepared  by  boiling  it  with  water  until  it  becomes  of  a  proper  con- 
sistency, and  then  applying  it  warm  to  the  affected  part.  Coal  oil  is  like- 
wise an  e.xcellent  application. 

Pulsatilla  may  be  given  when  the  skin  assumes  a  deep 
red,  bluish  or  livid  hue,  and  is  attended  by  violent  burn- 
ing and  itching. 

Nux  vomica,  when  of  a  bright  red  color. 

Sulphur,  when  the  former  remedies  have  been  insuffi- 
cient. 

Chamomilla  when,  in  addition  to  the  itching  and  burn- 
ing, there  are  acute  pains  in  the  affected  part. 

Arsenicum,  for  acute,  burning  pains;  also  for  the  irrita- 
ble, ill-conditioned  ulcers  which  sometimes  occur.  Tliey 
should  be  dressed  with  wet  rags,  covered  with  oiled  silk, 
until  the  parts  are  completely  healed.  Persons  who  are 
troubled  every  winter  with  chilblains,  should  never  eat 
pork  or  roasted  goose. 


CORNS. 

Corns  arise  not  only  from  tight  boots  and  shoes,  but  also  from  a  certain 
disposition  with  some  persons,  which  may  be  lessened  by  Antimonium  cru- 
dum,  Phosphorus,  Rhus,  Bryonia,  Lycopodium,  Phosphoric  acid,  and  Sulphur, 
according  to  temperament,  constitution  and  other  circumstances. 

Relief  may  be  obtained  by  bathing  the  feet  in  warm  water  and  paring 
the  corns  closely,  and  applying  Arnica  plaster. 

If  the  corns  pain  much  when  the  weather  changes,  take  Rhus,  sometimes 
Bryonia  or  Calcarea. 


GENEKAL    DISEASES.  411 


SORE   FEET. 

From  walking  in  boots  which  rub  the  heel,  should  be  treated  with  nothing 
but  water,  and  Cepa  should  be  taken  internally,  they  will  generally  be  well 
in  a  day  or  two. 

WARTS. 

There  is  always  a  risk  in  cauterizing  or  cutting  warts,  for  although  it 
may  frequently  be  (k)ne  without  apparent  injury,  dangerous  consequences 
sometimes  ensue,  especially  to  children  and  old  people.  They  will  very 
frequently  disappear,  when  fleshy  or  seedy,  after  Ckinsticitm  or  Natrum 
murialiciim;  when  they  are  flat,  hard  and  brittle,  upon  taking  Aiilimovium 
crudum;  when  upon  the  backs  of  the  fingers.  Dulcamara;  when  on  the 
sides  of  the  fingers,  Calcarea  carbonica. 


BED  SORES. 

These  may  frequently  be  prevented  by  placing  an  open  vessel  filled  with 
water  under  the  bed  of  the  patient,  renewing  the  water  every  day ;  or  by 
bathing  the  red  spots  that  threaten  to  become  sore,  with  brandy.  Wetting 
the  sore  places  with  very  cold  water,  or  applying  wet  cloths,  accelerates 
the  healing.  When  water  alone  will  not  effect  a  cure,  dissolve  in  it  a  few 
drops  of  Arnica  tincture;  and  if  there  appears  to  be  danger  of  mortification, 
give  Cinchona,  and  wash  the  spots  with  the  same  medicine  dissolved  in  a 
little  water.     When  the  wound  is  large,  apply  scraped  sweet  carrots  to  it. 


CHAPTER    XV. 
SOME    GENERAL  DISEASES. 

GOUT. 

Gout  is  difficult  to  cure,  but  the  paiu  may  at  least  be 
mitigated.  The  complaints,  inevitably  produced  by  the 
common  treatment  with  mercury,  valerian,  digitalis,  col- 
chicum,  opium  or  laudanum,  and  other  so-called  harmless 
medicines,  destructive  of  human  health,  are  prevented 


412  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

by  homoeopathic  treatment,  and  the  patient  is  likewise 
spared  the  many  tortures  of  external  applications. 

In  wine  and  brandy  drinkers,  the  first  attack  may  be 
alleviated  by  Nux  vomica;  for  violent  fever,  give  Aconitum, 
which  may  also  be  given  after  other  remedies  have  been 
used,  particularly  Sulphur.  When  the  pain  in  the  joints 
resembles  that  of  a  sprain,  with  redness,  dread  of  being 
touched,  an  uncomfortable  feeling,  as  if  whatever  the 
limb  rested  on  was  too  hard  for  it.  Arnica;  when  the  red- 
ness 'spreads  very  much,  and  is  very  deep.  Belladonna; 
when  the  pain  flies  quickly  from  one  joint  to  another, 
and  relief  is  felt  when  tlie  limb  is  uncovered,  give  Pulsa- 
tilla; if  the  pains  become  worse  after  it,  give  a  cup  of 
coffee,  repeat  the  Pulsatilla,  and  as  long  as  it  makes  it 
worse  continue  the  coffee.  When  the  pain  is  mitigated 
upon  covering  the  limb,  and  the  patient  is  very  weak 
and  much  reduced  by  the  disease,  give  Arsenicum;  when 
the  face  is  very  pale  and  haggard,  the  pain  stinging  and 
tearing,  worse  during  the  night,  and  when  the  limbs 
must  cpntinually  be  moved  from  one  place  to  another, 
Ferrum  or  Rhus;  when  worse  from  being  moved,  Bryonia; 
worse  from  being  touched.  Cinchona;  when  the  complaint 
is  attended  with  nausea  and  a  white-coated  tongue,  give 
Antiinonium  crudum,  and  afterwards,  if  necessary,  one  of 
the  other  remedies.  When  the  attacks  return  at  every 
change  of  weather,  give  Ccdcarea;  if  the  complaint  be- 
comes protracted,  always  give  Sulphur,  and  if  worse  again, 
Aconitum;  if  the  limbs  remain  stiff  afterwards,  give  Colo- 
cynthis;  if  they  are  stiff  from  old  gouty  swellings,  Causti- 
cum. 


INFLAMMATORY  RHHUMATISM. 

Aconite  if  there  is  high  fever,  dry,  hot  skin,  thir.st  and 
redness  of  tlie  cheeks;  violent  shooting  or  tearing  pains, 
worse  at  night;  redness,  or  shining  swelling  of  the  part 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  413 

affected;  the  pains  are  aggravated  by  the  touch;  extreme 
irritability  of  temper;  disposition  to  uncover  the  parts, 
and  relief  from  doing  it. 

Belladonna  when  the  pains  are  chiefly  in  the  joints, 
shooting  or  burning;  worse  at  night  and  on  movement; 
excessive  swelling,  and  shining  redness  of  the  affected 
parts;  fever  with  redness  of  the  face;  hot,  moist  skin  and 
thirst. 

Arnica,  when  the  joints  feel  as  if  bruised  or  sprained; 
hard,  red  and  shining  swelling;  sensation  as  if  the  limbs 
were  resting  on  some  hard  substance;  feeling  as  if  lame, 
and  a  crawling  in  the  affected  part;  the  pains  are  aggra- 
vated by  the  least  motion;  great  fear  of  persons  approach- 
ing, because  they  might  touch  the  affected  part. 

Bryonia,  if  there  are  shooting,  tearing  or  tensive  pains; 
shifting  pains  which  affect  the  muscles  rather  than  the 
bones;  red  and  shining  swelling  and  rigidity  of  the  parts 
affected;  the  pains  are  worse  at  night  and  on  the  least 
movement;  profuse  perspiration,  or  coldness  and  shiver- 
ing; much  heat,  with  headache  and  derangement  of  the 
stomach;  peevish  or  passionate  temper. 

Ghamomilla,  when  there  are  drawing  or  tearing  pains, 
with  a  sensation  of  numbness  or  of  lameness  in  the  parts 
affected;  the  pains  are  aggravated  at  night;  fever  with 
burning;  partial  heat  preceded  by  chilliness;  hot  per- 
spiration; desire  to  remain  lying  down;  great  agitation 
and  tossing  about. 

Mcrcurius,  for  shooting,  tearing,  or  burning  pains,  which 
are  aggravated  at  night,  especially  towards  morning,  and 
in  the  warm  bed,  or  by  exposure  to  damp  or  cold  air; 
puffy  swelling  of  tiie  affected  parts;  the  pains  seem  to  be 
seated  in  the  bones  or  joints;  profuse  perspiration  without 
relief     Lachcsis  may  follow,  if  Mercurius  is  not  sufficient. 

Rhus  for  tearing,  burning  or  wrenching  pains,  with  a 
sensation  of  weakness  and  crawling  in  the  affected  limb; 
red  and  shining  swelling  of  the  joints,  with  rigidity  and 


414  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

shootings  when  touched ;  the  pains  are  worse  during  rest, 
and  in  cold  or  damp  weather.  Rhus  is  often  suitable 
after  Acdnitivin,  Arnica,  or  Bryonia. 

Pulsatilla  is  serviceable  when  the  pains  are  aggravated 
in  the  evening,  or  at  night  in  bed,  in  a  warm  room,  or 
on  changing  the  position;  pains  which  pass  quickly  from 
one  joint  to  another;  sensation  of  numbness  in  the  parts 
affected;  the  pains  are  relieved  by  cool  air;  for  patients 
with  a  pale  face  and  disposed  to  shiver  and  be  chilly. 

Cinchona  for  pains  which  are  aggravated  by  the  slight- 
est touch;  profuse  perspiration;  great  debility,  especially 
from  weakening  causes,  as  loss  of  blood  or  other  fluids. 

Hepar  and  LacJiesis  are  frequently  serviceable  in  cases 
after  other  remedies  which  appear  to  be  adapted  to  the 
case,  but  do  not  give  much  relief. 

When  the  disease  attacks  the  heart,  Acoiiitum.,  Arseni- 
cum, Belladonna,  Lachcsis,  Pulsatilla,  Spigelia,  or  Sulphur, 
selected  according  to  symptoms. 

Chronic  Rheumatism. — For  pains  which  are  excited 
or  aggravated  by  the  slightest  chill,  Aconitum,  Bryonia, 
Calcarea  carbonica,  Dulcamara,  Mercurius  or  Sulphur.  When 
the  attacks  are  excited  by  bad  weather,  Calcarea  carbonica. 
Dulcamara,  Elms  toxicodendron,  Lycopodiuin  and  Hepar  sid- 
phnris.  When  every  change  of  weather  causes  a  relapse, 
Calcarea  carbonica,  Silicea,  Sulplutr,  Dulcamara,  PJtvs  and 
Laclicsis. 

Lumbago. — Pain  in  the  Loins  and  Back. — Aconitum 
if  accompanied  by  much  fever. 

Arnica  if  caused  by  external  injury,  or  by  over-lifting, 
etc. 

Bryonia,  when  tlie  pains  in  tlie  back  are  very  severe, 
'  compelling  the  patient  to  walk  in  a  stooping  posture;  ag- 
gravated by  the  least  motion,  or  draught  of  air,  and  at- 
tended with  a  general  chilliness. 

Kuz  vomica,  when  the  part  affected  feels  as  if  bruised, 
or  as  after  excessive  fatigue;  and  when  motion,  and  par- 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  415 

ticularly  turning  in  bed  at  night  aggravates  the  pain; 
also  when  accompanied  by  -weakness,  constipation  and 
irritable  temper. 

liJnis,  when  the  pains  are  similar  to  those  described 
under  Nux  vomica,  but  are  aggravated  by  rest. 

Belladonna  may  follow  Aconitum,  when  the  pains  are 
deep-seated,  and  cause  a  heaviness,  gnawing,  or  stiffness. 

Pulsatilla,  when  the  pains  resemble  those  mentioned 
under  Nux  vomica,  especially  when  occurring  in  persons 
of  a  mild  disposition. 

Mercurius  for  pains  like  those  described  above,  but 
which  are  much  worse  at  night. 

Sciatica — Is  like  lumbago;  but  the  pain  is  more  in 
the  region  of  the  hip-joint,  shooting  down  the  back  of 
the  thigh,  and  sometimes  extending  to  the  foot. 

Aconitum,  when  there  is  a  numbness  in  the  limb  or  toes. 

Colocijnthis  is  particularly  useful  in  this  affection,  espe- 
cially when  seated  in  the  right  hip,  or  if  excited  by  a  fit 
of  anger  or  indignation. 

Rhiis,  when  the  pains  are  aggravated  by  rest;  and  better 
by  motion. 

Nux  vomica,  when  the  pain  is  attended  by  a  sensation 
of  stiffness  or  contraction  of  the  limb;  also  when  torpor 
with  chilliness  is  felt  in  the  affected  parts. 

Ignatia  for  cutting  pains,  particularly  on  moving  the 
limb. 

Chamomilla,  when  the  pains  are  worse  at  night,  and 
attended  with  excessive  sensitiveness. 

Arsenicum,  i\\  cases  where  the  pains  are  acute  and  drag- 
ging, with  a  sensation  of  coldness  in  the  part  affected; 
also  when  the  pains  are  periodical.  It  is  also  useful  for 
weak  or  emaciated  persons. 

WRY  NECK. 

This  is  a  painful  rheumatic  affection  of  the  neck.  It  is 
generally  occasioned  by  exposure  to  a  draught  of  air,  or 
by  turning  the  head  suddenly  round. 


416  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

Aco7iitum  or  Belladonna  may  effect  a  cure.  Should  they 
be  insufficient  Cocculus,  Pulsatilla,  Iilms,  or  Bryonia,  will 
mostly  suffice. 


CRAMP  IN  THE  LIMBS. 

Cramp  in  the  calves  of  the  legs,  the  soles  of  the  feet,  and  in  other  parts 
of  tlie  body,  often  disturbs  sleep ;  sometimes  it  is  troublesome  during  the 
day.  The  best  means  of  obtaining  relief  during  an  attack  is  to  press  the 
feet  firmly  against  the  bedstead  or  the  wall,  or  to  press  and  squeeze  the 
painful  part  witli  the  hands.  Those  subject  to  cramps  in  the  legs  in  bed, 
will  often  escape  it  if  they  have  their  bed  ma<le  in  a  slight  incline,  so  that 
the  whole  body  shall  slope  a  little  downwards  towards  the  foot  of  tlie  bed. 

A  piece  of  cold  iron  held  to  the  place  of  the  cramp  will  often  give  relief. 

Veratrum,  taken  at  night,  before  going  to  bed,  for  two 
nights,  will  generally  overcome  the  predi-sposition  to  the 
complaint.  Should,  it,  however,  be  insufficient,  take  Sul- 
phw  or  Colocynthis  in  the  same  waj'. 

Rhus  will  be  found  useful  in  cramps  which  occur  dur- 
ing the  day,  especially  while  sitting. 

Rhus  or  Hijoscyamus  will  cure  cramps  that  come  on 
while  pulling  off  the  boots. 

Cuprum  for  cramps,  especially  at  night  in  bed,  affecting 
chiefly  the  soles  of  the  feet,  and  causing  the  toes  to  be 
drawn  in  different  directions. 

Lycopodium,  in  cramps  occurring  principally  when 
walking. 

Colocynthis,  for  the  stiffness  and  soreness  which  fre- 
quently remain  after  an  attack. 


EPILEPSY.    EPILEPTIC  CONVULSIONS. 

Epilepsy,  convulsions  of  tlie  wliole  body  or  of  single  parts,  are  of  such 
different  kinds  that  it  is  impossible  to  here  give  full  directions  for  curing 
them ;  an  homoeopathic  physician  should  always  be  cxmsaltcd  in  these  cases. 

If  the  cause  that  will  bring  on  such  an  attack  is  known,  give  the  suitable 
remedies;  Opium  is  not  alone  suitable,  if  they  are  caused  by  fright,  but 
also  if  occasioned  by  reproach,  violent  scolding  and  taking  ( 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  417 

An  attack  may  sometimes  be  obviated  by  smelling  Nitrite  of  amyl  when 
the  first  symptom  of  its  approach  is  perceived. 

During  tlie  fit  nothing  else  must  be  done,  smelling  salts  or  liquids  and 
such  like  articles  do  no  good  whatever,  the  patients  are  only  troubled  and 
weakened  by  them.  Even  the  homceopathic  remedies  should  not  be  given 
during  the  attack,  they  must  be  taken  when  the  worst  of  the  fit  is  over  or 
has  entirely  ceased. 


NIGHT-MARE. 

Persons  subject  to  it  should  eat  but  little  in  the  evening,  and  take  light 
food  at  all  times ;  drink  but  little  wine,  beer  or  coflee.  A  good  preventive  is 
to  bathe  every  evening ;  or  rubbing  the  face,  neck,  the  back  of  the  head,  the 
throat,  shoulders,  breast  and  abdomen  with  a  wet  towel ;  and  drink  a  glass 
of  cold  water  Ijefore  going  to  bed.  At  the  same  time  take  one  of  the  fol- 
lowing remedies 

Nux  vomica,  when  the  night-mare  is  caused  by  indul- 
gence in  spirituous  liquors,  strong  beer,  too  high  living, 
too  much  confinement,  if  the  patient  does  not  take  suffi- 
cient exercise  in  the  open  air. 

Aconitum,  when  it  occurs  in  children  and  women,  and 
is  accompanied  by  heat,  thirst,  palpitation  of  the  heart, 
determination  of  blood  to  the  head  or  chest,  oppressed 
breathing,  nervousness,  uneasiness,  etc.  This  remedy  is 
also  useful  for  the  headache  and  febrile  excitement  which 
often  follows  the  attacks. 

Opium,  when  the  patient  lies  with  his  eyes  half  closed, 
snoring,  the  mouth  wide  open,  rattling  in  the  throat,  the 
breathing  irregular,  the  face  much  distorted,  and  covered 
with  a  cold  perspii'ation,  and  the  limbs  convulsed. 

Ptikatilla,  when  caused  by  rich  food,  cakes,  nuts,  etc. 

Sul2)ltur  or  Silicea,  if  the  attacks  return  often. 


SLEEPLESSNESS. 

In  most  cases  when  not  the  result  of  a  disease,  sleeplessness  may  he  at- 
tributed to  the  manner  of  living.  Some  jiersons  cannot  eat  anything  in 
the  evening,  or  but  a  little,  without  suflering  from  loss  of  sleep.     Others 


418  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

cannot  sleep  soundly  unless  they  have  eaten  snniutliiim  liefore  poing  to  bed. 
Exercise  in  the  open  air  is  one  of  the  best  prf\i.nti\  cs,  Ijui  it  must  not  be 
taken  too  late  in  tlie  evening,  or  it  will  have  an  ctiert  ci.ntniry  to  the  one 
desired.  When  exciting,  agreeable  events  are  the  cause,  take  C'offea;  when 
terrible  or  frightful  ones,  Opium;  when  agitating  ones,  Aconitum ;  when 
the  events  are  tormenting  and  cause  dejection,  Ignutia,  etc.;  always  select 
the  remedy  according  to  the  cause,  see  "  Eflects  of  the  Mind." 

The  most  common  causes  of  sleeplessness  are  the  use  of  coffee  and  tea, 
for  which  see  the  remedies  in  the  early  part  of  this  book.  When  a  surfeit 
is  the  cause,  give  PalsatUla;  when  late  reading  or  singing  is  followed  by 
wakefidness.  Nut.  vomica;  when  complaints  of  the  bowels  and  flatulency, 
Chammnilla.  When  various  figures  and  visions  appear  before  the  eyes,  and 
prevent  sleeping.  Opium ;  and  if  this  does  not  soon  prove  efficacious,  Bella- 
donna. Children  are  generally  benefited  by  Coffea;  old  people  by  Opium. 
Sleep  is  sometimes  brought  on  by  rubbing  the  forehead  with  the  fiat  hand, 
particularly  if  you  determine  to  do  this  one  hundred  and  one  times ;  if  it 
does  no  good  do  not  get  impatient,  but  commence  anew,  and  so  on.  Others 
fall  asleep  when  they  imagine  that  they  are  writing  the  date  up  on  a 
high,  very  high  wall  with  a  long,  very  long  stick,  with  tall,  very  tall  letters. 
Sleeplessness  is  frequently  occasioned  by  some  disease,  to  which  refer  under 
its  proper  head  for  the  necessary  remedies,  or  consult  a  homoeopathic, 
physician. 


DROPSY. 

Dropsy  may  depend  on  one  or  more  of  many  causes. 
Diseases  of  the  heart,  lungs,  liver,  kidneys  or  peritoneum 
may  induce  it,  or  it  may  arise  from  disease  of  other  or- 
gans or  portions  of  the  body,  hence  these  different  kinds 
of  dropsy  should  always  be  treated  by  a  homoeopathic 
physician,  for  there  is  always  time  enough  to  do  so. 


AGUE.    CHILLS  AND  FEVER.    FEVER  AND  AGUE. 
INTERMITTENT  FEVER. 

This  disease  attacks  in  some  places  and  at  some  seasons  a  great  number 
of  persons;  usually  where  much  wet  land  is  drying,  and  particularly  at 
the  commencement  of  dry  weather  in  the  spring  and  autumn.  If  you  can 
remove  at  such  times  from  these  places  do  so,  but  if  you  are  compelled  to 
remain  there,  pay  particular  attention  to  the  sleeping  room.  It  should  be 
airy  and  dry;  you  should  open  the  windows  only  a  few  hours  in  the  middle 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  41!) 

of  the  day;  put  the  bed  not  against  a  wall,  but,  if  possible,  -nitli  tlie  lioad 
towards  the  south.  Individuals  who  are  compelled  to  sleep  in  damp  houses, 
or  on  the  lower  floor  of  houses  badly  situated,  may  in  some  measure  be  pro- 
tected by  placing  a  layer  of  liard  coal,  broken  very  small,  under  their  beds. 

Advantage  may  alsj  be  derived  from  wearing  silk  shirts,  and  by  sleeping 
between  silk  sheets,  which  c;in  be  made  of  okl  dresses.  Powdered  sulphur, 
worn  in  the  stockings,  has  ai>pe;ired  to  prevent  the  frequent  recurrence  of 
the  fever  in  some  ciuses,  it  may  be  used  until  we  know  of  a  better  preventive. 

I'lU-ticular  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  manner  of  living ;  eat  nothing 
that  lies  heavy  on  the  stomacli;  avoid  p;istry,  things  baked  or  roasted  with 
fat,  and  all  kinds  of  badly  dresseil  food,  eat  well  cooked  meat  and  vegeta- 
bles, or  meat  which  has  been  slowly  and  properly  stewed  in  a  closed  vessel, 
with  much  gravy  without  any  seasoning  except  salt.  Whilst  the  fever 
prevails,  pies  are  very  injurious. 

Raw  ham,  but  well  smoked,  like  that  from  Westphalia,  with  black  pep- 
per is  more  wholesome  than  when  it  has  been  rendered  indigestible  by 
being  overdone  by  frying.  Everything  acid  and  fat  should  be  avoided  at 
such  times;  acids  are  good  in  the  heat  of  summer;  fat  may  be  used  in  cold 
weather. 

During  the  cold  stage  let  the  patient  be  well  covered  with  blankets  which 
are  perfectly  dry ;  if  you  have  a  silk  coverlet,  wrap  it  around  the  lower 
extremities  and  abdomen,  if  the  patient  finds  it  agreeable.  In  the  hot 
stage,  linen  or  muslin  makes  a  better  covering.  Frequent  wiping  with  a 
warm,  wet  cloth  also  gives  much  relief  in  this  stage.  During  the  sweating 
stage,  the  patient  sliould  not  be  covered  too  warmly;  and  after  it  is  over, 
the  linen  au<l  bed  should  be  changed.  The  linen  should  be  well  aired  and 
warmed,  which  is  best  done  by  a  healthy  person  rubbing  it  with  his  hands, 
until  all  the  smell  of  soap  is  gone ;  in  fact,  this  should  be  done  with  all 
linen  intended  for  the  -sick.  Those  who  have  not  a  sufBciency  of  linen, 
will  do  well  to  lie  naked  between  blankets  during  the  stage  of  perspiration, 
and  to  put  on  the  shirt  when  this  is  over. 

If  the  patient  complains  of  thirst,  give  him  as  much  cold  water  as  he 
wishes,  if  good  spring  water  can  be  had ;  if  the  water  is  bad,  give  toast  and 
water,  it  may  be  either  warm  or  cold.  If  he  prefers  it  warm  during  the 
cold  stage,  give  him  toast  and  water  or  mucilaginous  drinks,  such  as  barley 
water  or  thin  oatmeal  gruel.  When  the  patient  vomits  much,  and  feels 
very  weak,  give  him  black  coffee.  During  the  hot  stage,  cold  water  is  the 
best  drink;  but  if  the  patient  is  very  ill  and  craves  acids,  lemonade  or  tam- 
arind water  may  be  given  in  moderate  quantities.  During  the  sweating 
stage  the  patient  should  drink  nothing  but  cold  water. 

.\t  first,  intermittent  fever  causes  more  trouble,  than  afterwards,  when  it 
shows  itself  by  swelling  and  hardness  below  the  ribs,  generally  on  the  left 
side.  In  commencement  of  the  disease  it  is  better  not  to  suppress  it  by 
Cinchona  or  quinine,  it  should  be  done  only  in  ca.ses  of  great  nece.ssity;  at 
this  time  it  can  be  best  cured  by  homoeopathic  remedies.     Later,  when  the 


420  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

attacks  are  more  violent  and  the  patient  feels  well  in  the  intervals,  the  dis- 
ease is  more  difficult  to  cure,  and  in  tliese  cases  it  may  sometimes  be  sup- 
pressed by  quinine,  though  it  often  has  bad  consequences.  At  a  still  later 
period,  when  the  spleen  and  liver  are  swollen,  take  care  not  to  use  nuR-h 
quinine,  it  will  in  most  cases  only  hasten  dropsy  and  other  succeeding 
diseases. 

For  all  fevers  -which  occur  in  the  iicighborliood  of 
marshy  places,  new  canals,  newly-broken  lands,  etc.,  take, 
as  soon  as  you  feel  unwell,  a  dose  of  Cinchona;  'if  no  bet- 
ter after  twelve  hours,  take  Ipecacuanha;  after  twelve 
hours  Cinchona  again.  If  the  fever  is  not  prevented  in 
this  way,  select  one  of  the  following  remedies. 

In  this,  as  in  all  other  fevers,  it  is  necessary  to  pay 
more  attention  to  the  symptoms,  than  is  done  by  the  old 
school;  observe,  how  chill,  heat  and  sweat  follow  one 
another,  when  the  patient  is  thirsty,  and  what  he  feels 
between  the  attacks. 

If  you  cannot  find  the  suitable  remedy,  give  a  dose  of 
Ipecacuanha  after  the  attack,  and  repeat  it  every  three  to 
four  hours  until  the  next  day  a  few  hours  before  the  time 
the  last  attack  came  on;  if  no  attack  comes  on,  give 
nothing  else  on  that  day,  but  give  a  dose  on  the  follow- 
ing day,  a  few  hours  before  the  expected  attack.  If  it 
returns,  watch  the  symptoms  and  give  another  remedy. 
If  you  have  selected  one,  give  it  first,  after  the  attack  is 
over;  and,  second,  repeat  it  a  few  hours  before  the  time 
the  next  attack  is  expected  to  return.  If  the  fever  had 
been  stopped,  but  returns  again,  give  first  a  remedy  for 
the  cause  of  the  relapse,  and  then  the  remedy,  after  the 
administration  of  wliich  it  stopped. 

Ipecacuanha  is  useful  in  most  cases  of  this  disease,  and 
will  frequently,  when  properly  selected,  of  itself  effect  a 
cure.  Wlien  there  is  any  doubt  in  regard  to  the  choice 
of  a  remedy,  especially  at  tiie  commencement  of  the  dis- 
ease, this  remedy  may  be  administered.  The  following 
symptoms,  however,  clearly   point  to  its   employment: 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  421 

much  internal  chilliness,  which  is  increased  by  external 
warmth ;  little  or  no  thirst  in  the  cold  stage,  but  a  great 
deal  in  the  hot  stage;  clean  or  slightly  furred  tongue; 
nausea  and  vomiting,  and  oppression  of  the  chest  imme- 
diately before  the  attack,  or  during  the  cold  and  liot 
stages. 

Arsenicum  when  the  different  stages  are  not  distinctly 
marked,  but  the  chilliness,  heat  and  sweat  occur  simulta- 
neously, or  when  there  are  frequent  changes  from  chilli- 
ness to  heat,  and  vice  versa;  or  internal  chilliness  with 
external  heat;  also  when  the  paroxysm  is  imperfectly 
developed ;  when  there  is  little  or  no  sweating,  or  at  least 
not  for  some  time  after  the  heat  has  subsided ;  great  pros- 
tration of  strength ;  burning  pains  in  the  stomach,  insup- 
portable pains  in  the  limbs,  or  all  over  the  body ;  anxiety 
and  restlessness;  excessive  thirst;  drinking  often  but  little 
at  a  time;  uneasiness  about  the  heart,  or  oj^pression  and 
spasms  of  the  chest;  nausea  or  sickness  and  vomiting; 
bitter  taste  in  the  mouth;  violent  headache,  continuing 
after  the  hot  stage ;  buzzing  in  the  ears  during  the  sweat- 
ing. All  the  sufferings  of  the  patient,  as  the  headache, 
pain  in  the  limbs,  etc.,  are  increased  during  the  attack. 

Cindtona,  if  the  paroxysm  is  preceded  by  nausea;  vora- 
cious appetite;  headache;  agitation;  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  or  sneezing;  thirst  during  the  sweating  stage,  some- 
times continuing  all  the  time  between  the  attacks ;  chills 
alternating  with  heat,  or  when  the  heat  does  not  come  on 
for  some  time  after  the  chills  have  ceased ;  sleeplessness  or 
disturbed  sleep;  great  weakness  and  sallow  complexion. 
It  must  not  be  given  when  there  is  much  thirst  during 
the  cold  or  hot  stages.  This  remedy  is  valuable  in  most 
intermittents  in  marshy  places,  and  may  be  given  as  soon 
as  the  first  symptoms  show  themselves,  as  stated  above. 

Fcrrum,  for  symptoms  resembling  the  preceding,  and 
also  when  there  is  determination  of  blood  to  the  head; 
throbbing  in  the  neck  and  temples;  swelling  around  the 


422  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

eyes;  pressure  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  particularly- 
after  eating;  vomiting  of  food;  tension  of  the  abdomen, 
and  shortness  of  breath ;  weakness  of  the  limbs ;  hardness 
and  fulness  in  one  or  both  sides  of  the  abdomen,  close 
under  the  short  ribs ;  swelling  of  the  feet  as  in  beginning 
of  dropsy. 

Aniica,  when  the  cold  stage  generally  comes  on  early 
in  the  morning,  or  in  the  forenoon,  with  thirst  before  the 
chill;  drawing  and  pain  in  all  the  bones  preceding  the 
fever;  the  patient  feels  uncomfortable  in  every  position, 
and  is  constantly  changing  about;  dull  or  stupid;  per- 
spiration and  breath  offensive. 

Veratrum,  when  there  is  exter^aal  coldness  with  internal 
heat;  cold  clammy  sweat,  particularly  on  the  forehead, 
and  general  coldness  of  the  whole  body;  or  chilliness 
without  heat,  or  chilliness  and  heat  by  turns;  giddiness; 
constipation  of  the  bowels,  or  diarrhoea ;  sometimes  nausea, 
or  vomiting,  and  pains  in  the  back  and  loins. 

Sambucus,  when  the  sweating  is  very  profuse,  and  con- 
tinues until  another  attack  comes  on,  if  it  otherwise  suits 
the  symptoms  stated  under  Ipecacuanha,  Arsenicum,  Cin- 
chona, Ferrum,  Arnica  and  Veratrum. 

Antimonium  crudum  is  indicated  when  the  tongue  is 
very  much  furred;  bitter  and  nauseous  taste;  belching; 
sickness  of  the  stomach ;  vomiting;  little  or  no  thirst,  and 
constipation  or  diarrhoea.     (See  Pulsatilla.) 

Bryonia,  for  similar  symptoms,  but  attended  with  much 
thirst;  or  the  heat  before  the  chills;  red  cheeks  in  the 
cold  stage;  yawning,  and  stitches  in  the  side  durin'g  the 
heat;  more  coldness  and  chills  than  heat,  and  constij^a- 
tion  or  diarrhcea. 

Cina.  Vomiting  and  voracious  appetite  before,  during 
or  after  the  fever;  thirst  either  during  the  hot,  or  during 
the  cold  stage;  pale  face  during  the  cold  and  hot  stage; 
constant  rubbing  of  the  nose. 

Ignatia,  if  there  is  thirst  in  the  cold,  but  not  in  the  hot 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  423 

stage;  the  chilliness  lessened  by  external  warmth;  heat 
of  some  parts  of  the  body,  with  coldness  and  chill  of 
others;  heat  externally  only;  pain  in  the  bowels  during 
the  cold  stage,  followed  by  heat,  with  debility  and  sleepi- 
ness. 

Ilhus.  The  attacks  usually  come  on  in  the  after  part 
of  the  day,  and  consist  of  heat,  preceded  and  followed  by 
chills;  coldness  of  some  parts  of  the  body,  and  heat  of 
others;  perspiration  after  midnight,  or  towards  morning; 
the  heut  accompanied  by  a  rash ;  pain  in  the  bowels,  and 
diarrhoea;  pressure  at  the  jiit  of  the  stomach ;  palpitation 
of  the  heart,  and  anxiety. 

jVuz  vomica,  when  the  attack  commences  with  great 
debility  and  want  of  strength,  with  desire  to  lie  down ; 
giddiness,  with  a  feeling  as  if  drunk;  cramps  in  the  mus- 
cles of  the  abdomen  or  calves  of  the  legs ;  stitches  in  the 
sides;  alternate  heat  and  chills,  or  heat  preceding  the 
chills;  heat  externally  and  chilliness  internally,  or  vice 
versa;  desire  to  be  constantly  covered,  even  during  the 
hot  and  sweating  stages ;  external  warmth  affords  no  re- 
lief; heat  and  pain  in  the  head ;  buzzing  in  the  ears ; 
redness  of  the  cheeks;  thirst  and  anxiety  during  tiie  hot 
stage;  constipation. 

Chaniomilla  is  indicated  when  the  tongue  is  loaded 
with  a  white  or  yellow  coating ;  nausea  and  bitter  vomit- 
ing ;  loathing  of  food  ;  much  thirst  in  the  hot  stage,  and 
even  in  the  sweating  stage ;  pressure  and  uneasiness  in 
the  region  of  the  heart ;  more  heat  and  perspiration  than 
coldness ;  pain  in  tiie  right  groin,  and  loose  watery  stools. 
(Compare  Anlimonium,  crudum  and  Bryonia.) 

Pulsatilla,  particularly  when  the  slightest  disorder  of 
the  stomach  brings  on  a  relapse.  It  is  particularly  indi- 
cated by  absence  of  thirst  during  the  entire  fit,  or  thirst 
only  during  the  hot  stage;  heat  and  chilliness  at  the 
same  time;  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth;  bitter  or  sour 
vomiting  of  phlegm  or  bile ;  the  attacks  come  on  in  the 


424  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

afternoon  or  evening,  and  the  patient  complains  of  chilli- 
ness all  the  time. 

Antimonium  crudum.  Coated  tongue ;  bitter  or  bad  taste, 
belching,  nausea,  vomiting,  little  or  no  thirst  (compare 
Pulsatilla) ;  constipation  or  diarrhoea.  After  Lachesis,  and 
if  quinine  had  been  taken. 

Capsicum.  Chilliness  preceded  for  some  time  by  thirst, 
followed  by  heat  without  thirst,  or  thirst  only  during  the 
hot  stage;  chills  violent  and  long  continued;  begin  in 
back  between  the  shoulder-blades ;  intense  burning,  both 
internally  and  externally;  accumulation  pf  phlegm  in 
the  mouth  and  throat;  slimy,  burning  diarrhoea,  and 
great  intolerance  of  noise. 

C'offea,  in  sensitive  persons,  who  suffer  greatly  from 
nervous  excitement,  even  though  the  fever  be  but  slight ; 
paroxysms  of  heat  and  thirst,  with  flushed  face,  followed 
by  general  jierspiration ;  the  thirst  frequently  continues 
through  the  sweating  stage ;  watery  diarrhoea. 

Cocculus,  in  agues  attended  with  cramp  or  spasms  of 
the  stomach  and  abdomen,  obstinate  constipation,  and 
much  nervous  excitement. 

Natrum  muriaticum  is  one  of  the  best  remedies  in  in- 
termittents,  but  its  effect  must  be  waited  for  with  great 
patience  for  several  days ;  violent  pains  in  the  head  dur- 
ing the  chilliness  and  increasing  during  the  heat;  lengthy 
chills,  which  begin  about  10  a.m.  ;  dimness  of  vision,  and 
partial  loss  of  consciousness  during  the  hot  stage;  im- 
paired sight,  even  after  the  fever,  and  during  the  time 
between  the  attacks ;  chaps  and  fissures  on  the  lips,  par- 
ticularly at  the  corners  of  the  mouth ;  slight  fever,  con- 
tinuing through  the  intermission.  (Compare  Arsenicum 
and  Ignatia.) 

Lachesis,  when  the  attacks  come  on  in  the  afternoon 
and  are  accompanied  by  violent  pains  in  the  small  of  the 
back  and  limbs;  oppression  of  the  chest;  violent  head- 
ache with  red  face,  and  continual  talking  during  the  hot 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  425 

stage;  or  internal  chilliness  and  external  heat,  with  ashy 
or  yellowish  color  of  the  face.  It  is  particularly  service- 
ahle  when  a  relapse  had  been  produced  by  the  use  of 
salads,  vinegar,  etc.,  or  after  it  had  been  suppressed  by 
c^uinine,  but  returns.  Pulsatilla  may  follow  Lachesis  in 
such  cases. 

Belladonna  has  been  found  useful  when  two  or  more 
attacks  occur  in  the  twenty-four  hours — the  cold  stage 
slight,  and  the  hot  stage  violent,  or  the  reverse,  violent 
chill  and  slight  heat;  great  sensitiveness,  and  inclination 
to  shed  tears  ;•  constipation,  or  loose  and  scanty  chalk-like 
stools;  sometimes  attended  with  violent  congestion  to  the 
head,  a  red  face,  severe  pain  in  the  head,  and  dulness  or 
stupor. 

Ilyoscyam.us,  in  cases  similar  to  the  latter,  but  attended 
by  a  dry  cough  at  night,  worse  when  lying  down,  and 
better  when  sitting  up. 

Nuz  unoschata.  Tongue  white-coated ;  only  in  the  heat 
a  little  thirst;  sleep  during  the  cold  stage;  if  external 
warmth  is  pleasant,  but  the  open  air  disagreeable;  if  all 
parts  upon  which  the  patient  lies,  soon  commence  to  ache. 

Hepar,  if  a  cold  or  catarrh  affects  the  head  and  chest; 
bitter  taste  in  the  mouth;  chilliness,  with  thirst,  followed 
by  heat,  sleepiness.  It  is  often  suitable  before  or  alter 
Belladonna. 

Glonoine  if  the  blood  rushes  to  the  head,  if  there  is  a 
feeling  as  if  a  waving  heat  was  rising  up  from  the  pit  of 
tlie  stomach  to  the  head ;  beating  in  the  head  and  cold 
sweat  in  the  face;  if  the  attack  ends  with  a  warm  per- 
spiration. 

Mercurius,  in  quickly  alternating  chills  and  heat,  with 
restlessness;  thirst;  palpitation  of  the  heart;  profuse,  of- 
fensive, sour  perspiration. 

Sulphur  when  the  attacks  come  on  in  the  after  part  of 
the  day,  with  evening  chills,  fever  during  the  night  and 
sweating  in  the  morning;  jialpitation  of  the  heart;  also 
if  an  eruption  of  the  skin  has  been  checked. 


42G  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

Calcarea,  when  there  are  alternate  chills  and  heat ;  ex- 
ternal coldness  and  internal  heat;  heat  in  the  head  and 
face,  with  coldness  of  the  limbs,  sometimes  cold  up  to  the 
abdomen;  giddiness;  feeling  of  heaviness  in  the  head 
and  limbs;  violent  pains  in  the  small  of  the  back  and 
anxiet3^     Compare  Sulphur  and  Veratrum. 

Carbo  vegetabllis,  when  the  attack  is  preceded  or  at- 
tended by  pains  in  the  teeth  and  limbs;  thirst,  only  in 
the  cold  stage,  with  vertigo,  redness  of  the  face,  and  sick 
stomach  during  the  hot  stage. 

Aconitum,  when  the  chill  and  heat  are  both  violent;  or 
when  they  appear  together;  great  external  heat,  especially 
of  the  face  and  head,  and  acute  pains  in  the  side. 

Opium,  particularly  in  intermittents  in  aged  persons, 
and  children.  Drowsiness,  with  heavy  sleep,  loud  snor- 
ing, with  the  mouth  open;  congestion  of  blood  to  the 
head,  with  red  and  puffy  appearance  of  the  face ;  and 
jerking  of  the  limbs. 

INDEX  TO  THE  REMEDIES  FOR  AGUE. 

In  marshy  places. — Arnica,  Aneuicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cinchona, 
Cina,  Ferrum,  Ipecacuanha,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Ehiis,  Veratrum. 

In  damp,  cold  seasons. — Calcarea,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cinchona,  Lache- 
sis,  Xux  moschata,  Pulsatilla,  Khus,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

In  spring  and  summer. — Antimonium  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Capsicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cina,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis,  Natrum 
muriaticum,  Nu.K  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

In  autumn, — Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Nux  vomica,  Rhus,  Veratrum. 

Mismanaged,  by  large  doses  of  quinine. — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Calcarea,  Capsicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cina,  Ferrum,  Ipecacuanha, 
Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  ]\^ux  moschata,  Nux 
vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

An  attack  every  day. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  OI- 
carea,  Capsicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis.  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha, 
Lachesis,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhujs,  Sulphur, 
Veratrum. 

every   other    day. — Antimonium   crudum.   Arnica,   Arsenicum, 

Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Capsicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cham- 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  427 

omilla,  Cinchona,  Ipecacuanha,  Laclxesis,  Natrum  niuriaticum,  Nux 
moschata,  Niix  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Rlius,  Veratruiu. 

every  fourth  day. — Aconitum,  Amiia,  Arsenicum,  Carbo  vegeta- 

Liilis,  Ignatia,  Xux  moscliata,  Pulsatilla,  Veratrmn. 

every  two  weeks.— Arsenicum. 

every  year.— Arseaioum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Lachesis. 

Coming  on  in  the  evening^. — Aconitum,  Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Bnjiinia,  Calcarea,  Carbo  ceijelabilis,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis, 
Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus,  Sulphur. 

in  the  night.— Arsenicum,  Belladona,  Calcarea,  Capsicum,  Carbo 

vegetabilis,  Chamomilta,  liepar,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 
Ithus,  Sulpliur,   Veralrum. 

in  the  morning. — Amica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Cal- 
carea, Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamoniilla,  Cinchona,  Hepar,  Lachesis, 
Mercurius,  Natrum  murialicum,  Nux  vomica,  Sulphur,  Vcratrum. 

Chill  and  coldness  only. — Brynnin,  (^ip^icinn.  Cinchona,  Coflea,  Ilyoscy- 
aiiius,  Ipccaciianlia.  X:i.r  vniiiici.  Piil.^,ilill,i,  Veratrum. 

Chill  and  heat,  but  no  sweat— Ainiiitum,  Amica,  Arsenicum,  Bella- 
donna, Bryonia,  Capsicum,  Carbo  ver/clahilis,  Chamomilla,  Ignatia, 
Ipeeacuanha,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus,  Sulphur. 

Chill  and  sweat,  but  no  heat.— Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus, 
Sulphur,   Veratrum. 

Heat  only,  little  or  no  chill  and  sweat.— ^comium,  Arsenicum,  Bella- 
donna, Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Ciiffea,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis,  Nax  vom- 
ica. Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

Heat  and  sweat,  but  no  chill.— Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Bryonia,  Capxicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilta,  Cinchona,  Cina, 
Coffea,  Hepar,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Nux  vomica.  Opium,  Pulsatilla, 
Bkui,  Veratrum. 

Sweat  prevailing. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea, 
Carbo  vegetaliilis,  Cina,  Hepar,  Mtrcurliis,  Natrum  muriaticum, 
Pulsatilla,  i2/,«.5,  Sambnrus,  Sulphur,   Veralrum. 

Chill,  heat  and  sweat,  all  of  the  same  degree.— ^coniV?m,  Arsenicum, 
Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Capsicum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Cina,  Ilepar, 
Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus,  Sulphur,  Vera- 
trum. 

Chill  then  heat. — Aconitum,  Arnico;  Bryonia,  Belladonna,  Capsicum, 
Carbo  vegetabilis.  Cinchona,  Cina,  Hepar,  Hyoscyamus,  Ignatia, 
Ipecacuanha,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus, 
Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

First  heat  then  chill. — Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Capsicum,  Nux 
vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur. 

Heat  and  chill,  alternating. — Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Calcarea, 


428  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

Cinchona,  Mcrcurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Sulphur, 
Veratrum. 

Heat  and  chill  at  the  same  time.— Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Bryonia,  Valairea,  (Jhamomilla,  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha, 
Merciu-iiiis,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  lihus,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

heat  externally,  chill  internally.— Aconite,  Arsenicum,  Bella- 

iloiuiu,  Calcarea,  C'otiea,  Ignatia,  Lachesis,  Kux  vomica,  Sulphur. 

heat  internally,  chUl  externally.— Arnica,  Bryonia,  Cinchona, 

ilercurius,  rukatiUa,  lUuis,  \"eratrum. 

Sweat  coming  on  with  the  chill.— Arsenicum,  Calcarea,  Nux  vomica, 
Pulsatilla,  ,S'„/^/,„,-. 

Chill  then  sweat  without  heat.— Bryonia,  Capsicum,  Bhus,  Veratrum. 

Sweat  and  heat  together.— Adinitum,  Helliuhnna,  Bryonia,  Capsicum, 
Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Ciiui,  Ih pur,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Mer- 
curius,  Nujc  vomica.  Opium,  i.7,/(,,,  Wratrura. 

Sweat  after  the  heat. —  Arseiiii'um,  l!iy.ini:i,  Carho  vegetabilis,  Chamo- 
milla, Cinchona,  Cina,  Coflca,  IKiiar,  I/jnatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Opiuni, 
Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur,  V.ralrum. 

Thirst  before  the  attaek.-Ami.a,  (inrl.ona,  Pulsatill.a,  Sulphur. 

during  the  chill.— vl",n,7-,,»,  AnliiiMiiiimn  criMlum,  Arnica,  Ar- 

scniiuni,  Bnj,iiiia,i':\\c:m:i.  Oipsi.'N,,!.  Ciirh,, ,, ,j,tiibilis,  Cliammnitla, 
Cinchona,  CIiki,  Ilt'iiar,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Nairum muriaticum, 
Nux  mmicn,  Rhus,  Sulphur,   Veratrum. 

after  the    chill,  but  before  the  liea.t.— Arsenicum,  Cinchona, 

Pulsatilla. 

and  heat  together. — Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,   Calcarea, 

Capsicum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Hepar,  Hyoseyamus,  Lachesis, 
3l€rciirius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Bhus,  Sul- 
phur, Veratrum. 

No  thirst  during  the  heat. — Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Capsicum,  Carbo 
vegetabilis.  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis,  Mercurius, 
Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sambucus,  Sulphur, 
Veratrum. 

Thirst  after  the  heat. — Cinchona,  Nux  vomica.  Opium,  Pulsatilla. 

during  the  sweat. — Arsenicum,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Hepar, 

Mcrcurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Veratrum. 

after  the  sweat.— Nux  vomica. 


COMPUINTS  ACCOMPANYING  INTERMITTENT 
FEVER. 

Pains  in  the  limbs  — Arsenicum,  Cinchona,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux 
vomica,  Rhus,  Veratrum. 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  429 

Great  weakness. — Ai-seuicum,  Cinchona,  Ferrmn,  Ilyoscyamiis,  Lachusis, 

Xatnim  luiiriatiiiim,  Nux  vomica,  Rlius. 
Dropsical  symptoms. — Arsenicum,  Cinchona,  Ferruin. 
Lrowsiness  and  sleepiness.— Belladonna,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Ilyoscya- 

nius,  Lachesis,  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus. 
Sleep  during  the  chill. — >'atrum  muriaticum,  Nux  moscliata. 
during  the  heat  — Iguatia. 

after  the  chill.— Arsenicum. 

Great  nervous  and  mental  excitement.— Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  L'el- 

ladunna,  iiryt'uia,  Chamomilla,  Coliea,  Ignatia,  jNux  vomica,  Pul- 
satilla. 

Rush  of  blood  to  the  head  (with  giddiness,  delirium,  stupor). — Aconitum, 
Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Glonolne,  Hyoscyamus, 
Lache.sis,  Nux  vomica.  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus. 

Violent  headache.— Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Cinchona,  Glonoine. 
Ignatia,  Lachesis,  J^atrum  muriatkum,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 
Rhus. 

Deranged  stomach. — Antimonlum  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna, 
Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Natrum 
muriaticum,  Nux  vnnii.a,  I'ulsntilla,  Sulphur. 

Vomiting. — .\ntimonium  criidnm,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Cinchona,  Cina, 
Ignatia,  Nux  vomica,  I'lilsalilla. 

Vomiting  during  the  chill. — Bryonia,  Ignatia. 

after  the  chill. —Arsenicum,  Nux  vomica. 

during  the  heat.— Nux  vomica. 

of  bile. — Bryonia,  Ignatia,  Nux  vomica. 

of  mucus. — Cinchona,  Ignatia,  Pulsatilla. 

of  victuals.— Ignatia. 

Tongue  coated  V?hite. — Antimonium  crudum,  Bryonia,  Nux  moschata. 
sticky,  dry,  during  the  chill.— Bryonia. 

Diarrhoea.— Arnica,    Arsenicum,    Chamomilla,    Cinchona,    Ipecacuanha, 

I'ul.sitilla,  Rhus,  Veratnim. 
Constipation. — Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica. 
Spleen,  hardness  of.— Nux  moschata. 

pain  in. — Capsicum. 

Liver,  pains  and  swelling  of — Arsenicum,  Cinchona,  Jlercurius,  Nux 

vomica. 
Catarrhal   symptoms   (cough,  etc.). — Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia, 

Cinchona,  Ilepar,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 

Rhus,  Sulphur. 
Oppression  of  the  chest  and  difficulty  of  breathing— Aconitum, 

Antimonium  crudum,  ,\rnica,  Ar.senicum,  Bryonia,  Cinchona, 
p"errum,  Ilepar,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla, 
Sulphur. 


430  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

The  above  accompanying  complaints  are  present  particularly  : 

Before  the  attack. — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Calcarea  carbonica, 
Carbo  regekibilis,  Cinchona,  Cina,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Nalruin 
murialicum,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur. 

During  the  chill. — Arnica,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Calcarea,  Capsicum,  Carbo 
vegetabilis,  Ciiichuna,  Cina,  Hepar,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis, 
Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Nux  moschata,  Nux  vomica,  Pulea- 
lilla,  Rhus,  Veratrum. 

During'  the  heat. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Belladonna,  Calcarea, 
Capsicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Chamomilla,  Cinchona,  Coflea,  Hyos- 
cyamus,  Ignatia,  Ipecacuanha,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muri- 
aticum, Xux  vomica.  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur,  Veratrum. 

During  the  sweat. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Chamomilla,  Lach- 
esis, Mercurius,  Nux  vomica,  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus,  Sulphur, 
Veratrum. 

After  the  attack. — Arsenicum,  Bryonia,  Carbo  vegetabilis,  Coffea,  Ignatia, 
Lacliesis,  Nux  vomica,  Pulsatilla,  Khus. 

Pulse,  intermittent. — Arsenicum,  Cinchona,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Na- 
trum muriaticum,  Nux  vomica,  Opium. 

apparently  wanting. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Carbo  vegetabilis, 

Ilyoscyamus,  Opium,  Veratrum. 

Pulse  hard. — Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Hyoscyamus,  Nux  vomica. 
Sulphur. 

—  small. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Hyoscyamus,  Lachesis, 

Mercurius,  Nux  vomica.  Opium,  Veratrum. 

slow. — Belladonna,  Cinchona,  Mercurius,  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Rhus, 

Sambucus,  Veratrum. 

• —  hurried. — Aconitum,  Arsenicum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Hyoscya- 
mus, Jlercurius,  Pulsatilla,  Sulphur. 

irregular. — Aconitum,  Antimoniuni  crudum,  Arsenicum,  Bryonia 

Cinchona,  Hepar,  Lachesis,  Mercurius,  Natrum  muriaticum,  Rhus. 

full.— Aconitum,  Belladonna,  Bryonia,  Ferrum,  Hyoscyamus,  Lach- 
esis, Nux  vomica.  Opium,  Pulsatilla,  Sambucus,  Sulphur. 

soft. — Carbo  vegetabilis,  Cinchona,  Veratrum. 

trembling. — Arsenicum,  Mercurius,  Rhus. 


CONGESTIVE  OR  PERNICIOUS  FEVER.   REMITTENT 
OR  BILIOUS  FEVER. 

These  fevers,  like  intermittent  fevers,  are  caused  by  a 
poisonous  air,  called  miasma.  In  tlie  commencement 
they  may  be  treated  as  stated  under  Fever  and  Ague.    But 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  431 

they  should  always  be  treated  by  a  homoeopathic  physi- 
cian. If  the  blood  rushes  to  the  head,  causing  very  soon 
loss  of  consciousness,  Glonoine  should  give  relief;  seldom 
Aconitum,  and  still  more  seldom  Belladonna,  according  to 
the  symptoms  stated  under  "  Congestion  to  the  Head  and 
Headache." 


TYPHOID  FEVER. 

This  disease  is  one  which,  like  scarlet  fever,  diphtheria  and  others,  may 
arise  from  filth  acciimulatinn,  bad  sewerage,  etc.  There  is,  however,  no 
longer  any  doubt  but  that  tlie  iliscasi-  is  directly  propagated  by  means  of 
the  evacuations  from  the  bowel-,  Inr  ihe  essential  feature  of  typhoid  fever 
is  ulceration  of  a  portion  of  llie  small  intestines;  in  these  ulcerating  sur- 
faces the  seeds  of  the  disease  originate,  and  possessing  strong  vitality  they 
resist  many  destructive  influences.  Hence  in  whatever  manner  these 
germs  of  the  dise;ise  reach  the  system,  they  reproduce  the  disease  of  which 
they  were  the  product.  Privy  vaults  into  which  the  dejections  of  typhoid 
fever  patients  have  been  thrown  may  drain  into  a  contiguous  well,  or 
streams  of  water  may  in  some  way  be  contaminated  by  the  evacuations; 
those  drinking  water  from  these  sources  are  apt  to  contract  the  disease,  or 
possibly  the  microscopically  minute  particles  which  constitute  the  seeds  of 
typhoid  fever  may  enter  a  house,  being  introduced  by  sewer  gas. 

Milk  sometimes  carries  the  contagion — the  vessels  of  the  dairy  having 
been  washed  in  water  which  is  contaminated — and  sometimes  the  disease 
arises  from  eating  the  flesh  of  cattle  suffering  from  a  form  of  typhoid  fever. 
In  caring  for  patients  with  this  disease  the  greatest  care  should  be  observed 
in  disposing  of  the  fiscal  evacuations  of  the  sick,  for  therein  lies  the  entire 
danger  of  contagion.  Typhoid  fever  is  essentially  a  febrile  disease.  In  its 
varied  manifestations  it  runs  through  a  course  of  several  weeks.  Many 
patients  succumb  to  it,  though  homceopathic  treatment  saves  a  larger  per- 
centage than  any  other.  Frequently  tlie  disease  is  cut  short  in  the  begin- 
ning by  homnjopathic  medicines.  Attention  to  the  food,  giving  mainly  a 
milk  diet,  and  no  solids  whatever,  is  of  the  utmost  importance.  Good  nurs- 
ing and  proper  feeding  are  indispensable  agents  in  its  treatment,  perhaps 
more  so  than  any  other  disease.  The  medicines  chiefly  used  in  homoeo- 
pathic practice  are  Baplisia,Bryonia,  Rhus  tox.,  Phosphoric  acid,  Arsenicum 
and  Hijoscyamua. 

The  disease  is  so  varied  in  its  character,  as  it  attacks  different  persons, 
and  the  symptoms  are  so  numerous  and  frequently  so  obscure  at  first,  that 
it  is  better  not  to  pursue  the  subject  further  in  this  work.  The  premonitory 
symptoms,  as  affecting  the  head,  bowels,  etc.,  can  be  prescribed  for  under 
directions  to  be  found  in  other  divisions  of  this  book.  Should  symptoms 
of  any  gravity  threaten,  a  physician  must  be  called. 


432  GENKRAL    DISEASES. 

YELLOW  FEVER. 

As  sure  as  the  cholera  will  never  pass  a  boundary  line 
— sulphuretted  hydrogen — or  spread  among  people  with 
sulphur  in  their  stockings,  so  sure  can  it  be  said  to  Yellow 
Fever:  "Thus  far,  and  no  farther!"  But  being  a  very 
different  disease,  it  must  be  done  in  an  entirely  different 
way;  sulphur  would  only  promote  the  evil. 

Just  as  I  recommended  Fear,  Care  and  Sulphur  in  Asi- 
atic Cholera,  so  I  recommend  Fright,  Run  and  Charcoal  in 
Yellow  Fever. 

Fright,  because  it  would  make  people  run  away.  Every 
one  who  can  possibly  go  away  ought  to  do  so;  the 
sooner  the  better;  even  the  sick  should  be  scattered,  never 
crowded. 

Yellow  Fever  has  always  one  or  more  central  points 
whence  it  spreads  around,  and  is  always  communicated 
by  inhalation.  The  substance  carrying  the  disease  is  of 
gaseous  nature,  and  it  acts  on  others  not  only  more  or 
less  according  to  their  state  of  susceptibility,  exactly  as 
it  is  in  all  infectious  diseases,  but  this  infectious  gaseous 
substance  must  be  in  a  certain  state  of  condensation;  it 
does  not  act  if  much  diluted,  that  is  mixed  with  a  large 
body  of  air. 

In  this  respect  the  cause  and  carrier  of  Yellow  Fever, 
the  miasma,  as  it  is  called,  diflers  from  others;  it  is  only 
similar  to  the  miasma  from  swamps,  causing  intermittent 
fever,  but  this  latter  is  confined  to  certain  localities ;  it 
cannot  be  carried  about  from  place  to  place,  it  cannot  be 
spread  by  the  sick  and  dead. 

Single  cases  of  Yellow  Fever,  scattered  about  particu- 
larly in  a  pure  atmosphere,  in  an  air  higher,  cooler  and 
more  in  motion,  will  never  spread  tlie  disease,  and  have 
never  done  so.  Therefore,  the  sooner  and  wider  apart  the 
sick  are  scattered,  the  sooner  the  whole  epidemic  will  be 
over.    If  this  scattering  abroad  is  done  before  the  "panic," 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  433 

as  this  disease  of  the  mind  is  called,  spreads,  it  will  not  be 
opposed  by  ignorant,  barbarous  neighbors,  as  has  been 
the  case.  To  scatter  tlie  sick  is  like  scattering  a  fire,  which 
will  soon  die  out  if  there  is  no  accumulation  of  combusti- 
ble matter.  To  recommend  people  to  go  away  from  the 
focus  is  like  removing  combustible  matter  from  a  house 
on  fire,  which  ought  to  be  done  in  time  and  regular  order 
by  an  organized  body.  All  those  who  are  necessary  to 
oversee  and  form  this  organized  body  should  stay,  all 
others  go  away. 

I  admire  with  all  my  heart  the  grandeur  of  mind,  shown 
by  the  members  of  the  Howard  Association  who  face  the 
terrible  enemy,  in  assisting  the  sick ;  the  clergymen  who 
stand  firmly  at  their  posts  to  console  in  that  reign  of  ter- 
ror; the  statesmen  who  take  the  helm  to  prevent  disorder 
and  confusion;  all  of  theni  sacrificing  their  own  comforts, 
health,  and  risking  their  lives.  I  admire  all  but  one  class 
— the  physicians  of  the  old  school.  Although  it  was,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  their  plain  duty  to  stay,  it  would  have 
been  much  better  for  the  sick,  if  they  all  had  run  away, 
following  the  example  of  their  illustrious  preceptor,  Galen, 
who,  as  soon  as  an  epidemic  broke  out,  mounted  his  mule, 
and  ran  away  with  his  valuable  boxes;  his  slave  running 
after  him  as  fast  as  only  a  slave  can,  who  is  running  away. 

What  a  display  of  wisdom  and  deep  learning,  to  give 
calomel  for  no  other  reason  than  that  the  patients  looked 
yellow,  and  because  the  liver  ought  to  have  something  to 
do  with  it;  for  calomel  acts,  according  to  their  most  stupid 
superstition,  on  the  liver! 

As  if  every  one,  who  recovered,  would  not  certainly 
have  done  so  much  sooner  and  better  without  it. 

One  of  the  most  renowned  physicians  of  the  South  came 
to  Norfolk  for  the  express  purpose  of  advising  his  brother 
physicians  to  give  nothing,  no  medicine  wliatever.  He 
was  truly  a  wise  man,  and  an  honest  one. 

The  next  thing  to  be  done  is  to  destroy  the  miasma  at 
28 


434  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

all  points  of  generation,  in  each  focus.  The  stagnant  swamps 
along  shore,  the  wharves,  canals,  etc.,  are  out  of  the 
question  in  times  of  danger,  and  ought  not  to  be  touched; 
stirring  them  up  would  only  increase  the  poison  in  the 
air;  what  should  have  been  done  in  the  fall  and  winter 
cannot  be  done  in  summer.  But  every  ship  with  stink- 
ing bilge-water,  or  which  had  Yellow  Fever  or  similar 
disea,ses  on  board,  ought  to  be  disinfected.  It  was  one  of 
the  greatest  absurdities  of  the  old  school  to  suppose  that 
chloride  of  lime,  Mhich  detroyed  some  other,  entirely  dif- 
ferent miasmas,  would  destroy  that  of  Yellow  Fever. 

It  is  nothing  but  a  remnant  of  the  old  superstitious 
times,  when  doctors  were  hunting  for  one  antidote  to  all 
poisons,  and  when  they  tried  to  find  one  remedy  for  all 
diseases.  Every  substance  which  is  intended  to  destroy 
another,  must  have  a  chemical  affinity  for  it.  A  few  ex- 
periments would  have  convinced  any  one  that  chlorine 
mixes  with  the  miasma  without  changing  it  in  the  least. 
It  is  the  same  with  all  other  "fumigations,"  even  the 
most  ridiculous,  fires  in  the  streets! 

But  fire  produces  a  substance  which,  as  chemistry  has 
known  for  nearly  one  hundred  years,  has  the  most  pecu- 
liar property  of  absorbing  gases, —  it  is  the  common  char- 
coal. Experiments  will  prove  to  any  one,  what  astonish- 
ing c[uantities  of  gases  will  be  roadily  absorbed  by  a  mere 
handful  of  charcoal — the  more  if  it  is  crushed  or  coarsely 
powdered,  as  this  gives  it  a  larger  surface.  And,  what 
is  to  be  particularly  remarked,  gases  of  that  class  to 
which  the  miasma  of  Yellow  Fever  no  doubt  belongs, 
are  by  preference,  as  it  were,  and  in  larger  quantities, 
absorbed  by  charcoal.  A  few  bucketfuls  of  it  will  dis- 
infect a  whole  ship,  if  thrown  down  in  the  bilge-water, 
repeated,  if  necessary,  until  there  is  no  longer  any  bad 
smell. 

This  lias  never  been  done,  and  why  not?  The  little 
black  particles  of  charcoal  are  rather  difficult  to  get  out 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  435 

again!  That's  all.  The  same  objection  to  it  will  be  found 
in  hospitals  and  private  sick-rooms. 

My  tirst  proposition,  since  1853,*  when  I  first  had  the 
chance  of  observing  cases  of  Yellow  Fever  for  myself,  was 
to  send  shiploads  of  charcoal  to  all  infected  places,  to  dis- 
infect all  suspicious  vessels  with  it  thoroughly,  to  have  it 
in  every  sick-room,  to  put  it  by  handfulls  on  all  and 
everything  which  passes  from  a  Yellow  Fever  patient, 
what  he  vomits,  his  urine,  his  stools,  at  once  before  they 
are  carried  away,  his  sheets  and  bed-clothes  before  they 
are  washed.  This  should  be  done  in  all  and  every  case, 
and  the  washerwomen  would  then  not  die  of  the  disease, 
as  they  have  done,  even  in  Philadelphia,  in  1853.  But 
it  would,  of  course,  require  a  great  deal  more  water  and 
work  to  remove  all  the  little  black  spots  from  the  linen. 

Above  any  other,  it  should  be  the  most  peremptory  rule 
to  cover  all  corpses,  without  exception,  with  charcoal,  and 
to  fill  up  the  coiiins  with  it,  as  the  corpses  produce  the 
poi.sonous  gas,  and  spread  the  disease  more  than  anything 
else.  By  comparing  the  maps  of  the  towns,  and  the  local 
history  of  the  epidemics,  I  found  that  the  course  of  the 
fever  was  not  so  much  in  the  direction  of  the  prevailing 
winds,  sometimes  even  against  them,  but  always  towards 
the  burying-grounds,  and  principally  along  the  streets 
through  which  tlie  dead  were  carried, — the  fever  followed 
the  dead. 

As  this  use  of  charcoal  should  be  ordered  and  enforced 
by  the  authorities — for  the  general  application  only  can 
produce  a  perceptible  result — let  the  following  experi- 
ment be  made  in  a  public  place,  which  will  convince  every 
one  of  the  great  usefulness  of  charcoal: 

Put  a  dead  rat  in  a  small  wooden  box,  upon  a  layer  of 
charcoal  about  three  inches  thick,  fill  the  box  so  that 
there  are  about  six  inches  of  charcoal  over  the  rat.    Every 


*  Printed  in  "  The  Homoeopatliic  News,"  No,  7,  October,  1855. 


436  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

one  knows  what  a  terrible  stench  will  come  in  due  time 
from  a  dead  rat.  Place  this  box  upon  the  main  table  of  the 
council  room,  and  let  every  one  of  the  rulers  of  the  town 
take  a  smell  at  it  every  day.  If  they  should  perceive  more 
than  the  common  cellar  air,  they  have  only  to  change 
the  upper  layer  of  charcoal,  and  all  the  smell  will  have 
gone  in  a  few  minutes.  The  rat  may  rot  in  a  parlor  with- 
out anybody  perceiving  it.  In  a  few  weeks  nothing  but 
skin,  hair,  sinews  and  bones  will  be  left. 

If  a  grave  were  filled  with  charcoal,  at  least  three 
to  four  feet  deep,  it  might  be  opened  afterwards  without 
any  danger.  A  corpse,  in  a  hermetically  closed  coffin, 
surrounded  with  charcoal  two  feet  thick,  might  be  trans- 
ported without  danger  to  any  place. 

But  "let  the  dead  bury  the  dead;"  the  most  important 
result  of  such  a  rule,  strictly  carried  out,  would  be  the 
cessation  of  the  fever  in  a  very  short  time.  All  this, 
however,  is  independent  of  the  treatment  of  the  sick;  but 
if,  in  addition  to  it,  all  cases  were  treated  homoeopathic- 
ally,  the  good  results  would  in  a  single  week  be  perceived 
by  all.  It  happens,  not  accidentally  of  course,  but  accord- 
ing to  a  law  of  nature,  that  what  is  the  true  chemical 
antidote,  is  also  the  best  preventive  and  remedy,  if  taken 
internally,  or  the  chemical  is  analogous  to  the  dynamical. 
It  happens,  that  among  the  symptoms  of  Carbovegdabilis, 
as  collected  by  Hahnemann,  we  find  a  true  and  most 
striking  similarity  of  the  same  group  of  symptoms  which 
characterize  Yellow  P^ever.  It  must  be  left  to  the  scien- 
tific portion  of  physicians  to  examine  this  thesis,  it  is  not 
for  everybody. 

The  best  preventive  is  Cafbo  veffctabilis  in  homoeopathic 
preparations.  The  degree  of  attenuation,  and  the  repeti- 
tion, do  not  seem  to  be  matters  of  much  importance; 
though  time  and  careful  observations  will  ultimatel}' 
show.  But  if  given  at  the  very  first,  it  may  be  sufficient. 
One  dose  of  the  highest  dilution  has  been  sufficient  in 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  437 

several  cases.  A  patient  who  had  ah-eadj-,  on  the  first 
da)',  bleeding  of  the  gums,  got  well  by  taking  the  third 
trituration  every  six  to  eight  hours,  for  a  few  days. 

During  the  state  of  the  greatest  alarm,  fatigue  and  ex- 
haustion, many  homoeopathic  physicians  have  given 
Aconitum  and  Belladontia,  even  in  alternation ;  I  cannot 
find  a  sufficient  similarity  neither  with  the  one  nor  the 
other.  Still  the  reports  are  a  great  deal  more  favorable 
than  those  of  the  alloeopathists  would  be,  because  the  latter 
always  kill  more  than  they  cure. 

If  the  homojopathic  physicians  were  governed,  from 
the  very  commencement  of  the  epidemic,  by  the  law  of 
similarity,  and  would  find,  according  to  Hahnemann's 
rule  in  the  Orgauon,  §  100 — 102,  the  medicines  most  cor- 
responding to  the  character  of  the  epidemic,  which  may 
change  and  will  differ  in  different  places,  at  different  sea- 
sons, and  years,  the  results  ought  to  be  far  more  favor- 
able and  striking  than  they  have  been  hitherto. 

Every  one  who  cannot  observe  Hahnemann's  rule, 
should  commence  with  Carho  vegetabills,  which  will  act  as 
a  basis,  after  which  all  other  medicines  have  a  better 
effect.  If  alarming  symptoms  appear  sometimes  after  it, 
another  medicine  may  be  given. 

Aconitum,  for  a  dry  skin,  hot  fever,  with  great  agony 
and  restlessness. 

Belladonna,  rush  of  blood  to  the  head  or  chest,  when 
moving  increases  the  symptoms. 

Lachesls  (or,  according  to  several  reports,  Crotalas)  in 
the  low,  sinking  state. 

Arnica,  if  the  patient  lies  in  a  kind  of  stupor,  with  bad 
smell  from  the  mouth ;  if  he  answers,  when  asked  how  he 
is,  that  he  feels  well. 

^csmicmn,  for  great  agony  and  burning  pains;  if  not 
sufficient,  Cantharides  in  water. 


438  GENERAL   DISEASES. 


FAINTING.   SWOONING. 

When  fainting  occurs,  it  generally  produces  such  alarm  in  those  present, 
that  all  kinds  of  experiments,  useless,  disagreeable,  and  even  injurious,  are 
resorted  to.  If  too  large  doses  of  spirits  of  hartshorn  are  administered, 
the  conserjuences  may  be  serious.  Kemember.  the  first  thing  to  be  avoided 
in  all  such  cases  is  hurry.  Loosen  the  clothing,  if  tight,  about  the  neck, 
chest  and  abdomen;  place  the  patient  flat  on  the  floor,  and  remove  all  ob- 
jects which,  when  consciousness  returns,  might  make  a  disagreeable  im- 
pression. Sprinkle  some  cold  water  from  a  feather  gently  upon  the  face, 
apply  a  little  water  to  the  neck,  the  back  part  of  tlie  head,  and  to  the  pit 
of  the  stomach.  If  this  does  not  produce  any  effect,  and  if  the  patient  be- 
comes cold,  let  him  smell  spirits  of  camphor. 

When  the  cause  is  known,  the  remedy  may  be  selected 
accordingly ;  for  instance,  if  it  arise  from  fright,  Coffca, 
Opium  or  Aconitum;  from  loss  of  blood,  or  other  debili- 
tating causes,  wine,  but  only  a  few  drops  should  be  given, 
and  afterwards  Cinchona;  when  produced  by  sudden 
mental  emotions,  Ignatia  or  Chamomilla;  after  loss  of 
sleep,  Cocculns.  When  slight  pains  cause  fainting,  give 
Hepar;  when  violent  pain  is  present,  Aconitum,  Coffca  or 
Chamomilla;  when  the  pain  preceding  the  fainting  had 
almost  driven  the  patient  to  distraction,  give  Veratrum; 
the  same  remedy  will  answer  when  debility  and  fainting 
are  produced  by  the  least  exercise;  when  it  occurs  in  the 
morning,  Nux  vomica  is  frequently  of  service,  particularly 
in  those  who  use  ardent  spirits  immoderately,  or  those 
M'ho  have  injured  themselves  by  severe  mental  applica- 
tion. Nux  moschata,  if  it  occurs  after  exertion  or  taking 
cold  in  damp  weather,  in  persons  who  used  to  complain 
of  great  weakness  from  the  slightest  exertion,  particularly 
if,  while  fainting,  they  have  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
are  afterwards  very  sleepy.  Carbo  vegetabilis,  in  cases 
where  too  much  mercury  has  been  taken ;  when  it  comes 
on  after  dinner,  Nux  vomica  generally  removes  it,  or 
should  this  fail,  Pltosphoric  acid.  If  it  is  preceded  by  gid- 
diness, give  Chamomilla  or  Hepar,  according  to  the  symp- 
toms.   If  preceded  by  nausea.  Ipecacuanha. 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  439 

When  vomiting  occurs  after  recovery  from  fainting,  do 
not  interfere  with  it  at  all ;  when  the  patient  falls  asleep 
after  it,  do  not  disturb  him;  rest  will  refresh  him. 


APPARENT  DEATH. 

In  regard  to  instances  of  apparent  death,  the  same  error 
is  usually  committed  as  in  cases  of  fainting.  Either  too 
mucli  is  done,  or  too  many  things  are  tried  at  once,  or 
nothing  is  done.  There  may  be  apparent  death  after  a 
violent  external  injury,  when  life  is  only  suspended.  But 
appearance  may  perhaps  become  reality,  by  being  taken 
for  it  too  soon.  There  are  many  cases  of  sudden  death; 
but  apparent  death  sometimes  occurs,  particularly  in  cases 
of  females  who  are  pregnant,  or  in  childbed.  We  know 
of  but  one  sure  sign  of  death,  that  is,  when  internal 
dissolution  has  proceeded  so  far  as  to  become  perceptible 
externally.  AVlienever  there  is  the  least  uncertainty,  and 
in  all  sudden  cases,  and  when  putrefaction  does  not  com- 
mence as  suddenly,  nothing  at  least  ought  to  be  done  that 
may  cause  actual  death,  and  the  interment  should  be 
postponed  until  the  third  day ;  on  the  third  day  changes 
usually  appear  in  the  body,  which  are  decisive;  all  further 
proceedings  should,  however,  be  arrested  until  they  make 
their  appearance,  though  a  week  should  elapse.  In  all  cases 
of  apparenth  death,  particularly  from  external  violence, 
the  bodies  should  be  treated  M'ith  the  greatest  care;  if 
they  are  treated  as  the  dead  generally  are,  viz. :  laid  out 
on  a  board  in  a  cold  room,  perhaps  covered  with  ice,  they 
will  certainly  be  dead  very  soon,  if  they  were  not  so  before. 


APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  HUNGER. 

Cases  of  persons,  who  from  want  of  food  have  been  so 
much  weakened  that  they  faint  or  are  apparently  dead, 
are  by  no  means  so  very  rare.    They  may  and  do  happen 


440  GENERAL    niSEASES. 

on  all  our  coasts  after  shipwrecks;  in  the  mountains, 
when  people  lose  their  way,  or  in  snow-storms,  etc.  All 
such  persons  must  of  course  have  food,  as  the  first  thing, 
but  the  longer  they  have  been  without  it,  the  less  of  it 
they  should  have  at  once.  Eating  too  much  and  too  fast 
may  kill  them.  In  the  worst  cases,  give  repeated  injections 
of  warm  milk ;  when  they  show  signs  of  returning  life, 
give  the  milk  to  drink,  at  first  a  few  drops,  afterwards 
more  and  more;  if  they  want  more,  give  a  few  spoonfuls 
of  good  toastwater,  broth,  and  a  little  wine.  When  a 
sound  sleep  succeeds,  cover  them  up  warm,  and  not  until 
after  that  sleep,  give  them  more  solid  food  in  small  quan- 
tities. The  following  excellent  broth  for  such  and  similar 
patients,  is  highly  to  be  recommended.  Take  one  pound 
of  good  beef,  free  it  from  fat  and  bones,  cut  it  up  in  small 
pieces,  pour  over  it  one  pint  of  cold  water,  let  it  stand 
several  hours,  stirring  it  occasionally,  then  let  it  simmer 
over  a  slow  fire,  strain  it  through  a  hair  sieve  or  coarse 
cloth,  adding  enough  water  to  make  it  a  pint,  and  season 
it  with  a  little  salt.  Of  this  broth  give  at  first  a  teaspoon- 
ful  at  a  time,  and  afterwards  more. 

APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  A  FALL. 

Place  the  sufferer  carefully  on  a  bed,  with  his  head 
elevated,  and  in  a  place  where  he  may  remain  quiet,  put 
a  few  globules  of  Arnica  on  his  tongue,  and  wait  quietly 
until  a  physician  comes  to  see  if  there  are  any  fractures, 
and  whether  there  are  still  signs  of  life.  When  the  pa- 
tient has  lost  much  blood  from  wounds,  or  from  injudi- 
cious bleeding,  give  Cinchona,  and  a  little  wine,  a  few 
drops  at  a  time,  and  afterwards  Arnica. 

APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  SUFFOCATION.  HANGING, 
PRESSURE,  CHOKING. 

Use  the  method  recommended  under  the  title  "Appar- 
ent death  from  drowning." 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  441 

If  these  procedures  are  unsuccessful,  the  following 
method  may  be  tried :  a  person  in  perfect  health  should 
pass  his  open  hand  from  the  head  of  the  patient  to  his 
feet,  keeping  his  hand  at  a  distance  of  about  an  inch  or 
two  from  the  body  of  the  patient;  when  arrived  at  the 
feet  the  hand  should  be  returned  quickly  to  the  head  of 
the  patient,  keeping  it  at  a  great  distance  from  his  body 
in  doing  so,  and  this  should  be  continued  in  the  same 
order  for  some  time.  Do  not  mind  such  would-be-wise 
people,  who  presume  to  ridicule  such  a  proceeding,  be- 
cause their  wisdom  cannot  explain  how  it  can  act.  Ask 
them  what  causes  cholera,  intermittent  fever,  etc.?  They 
will  tell  you  that  it  is  a  "something"  in  the  air,  a  poison, 
or  miasma,  and  so  forth.  Nobody  has  ever  been  able  to 
take  hold  of  this  "something,"  bottle  it  up,  or  show  its 
existence  by  the  most  delicate  chemical  tests ;  the  only 
test  is  the  human  body.  All  we  know  is,  that  people 
when  exposed  to  this  "something"  will  sometimes  cer- 
tainly get  the  cholera,  fever  and  ague,  etc.,  and  we  know, 
too,  that  persons  have  been  restored  to  life  by  the  above 
described  process;  but  how  this  "something"  in  the  air 
or  the  passes  of  the  hand  act  we  cannot  tell,  we  must  be 
satisfied  with  the  facts. 


APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  DROWNING. 

In  a  case  of  apparent  death  from  drowning  the  following 
directions  of  Dr.  Benjamin  Howard  are  the  best  extant: 

"  1.  Instantly  turn  the  patient  downward  with  a  large 
firm  roll  of  clothing  under  stomach  and  cliest.  Place 
one  of  his  arms  under  his  forehead,  so  as  to  keep  his 
mouth  off  the  ground.  Press  with  all  your  weight  two 
or  three  times  for  four  or  five  seconds  each  time,  upon 
the  patient's  back  so  that  the  water  is  pressed  out  of  the 
lungs  and  stomach,  and  drains  freely  out  of  the  mouth. 
Then: 


442  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

"2.  Quickly  turn  patient  face  upward  with  a  roll  of 
clothing  under  the  back,  just  below  the  shoulder-blades, 
and  make  the  head  hang  back  as  low  as  possible.  Place 
patient's  hands  above  his  head.  Kneel  with  patient's 
hips  between  your  knees,  fix  your  elbows  firmly  against 
your  hips,  now — grasping  lower  part  of  patient's  ]iaked 
chest — squeeze  his  two  sides  together,  pressing  gradually 
forward  with  all  your  weight,  for  about  three,  seconds, 
until  your  mouth  is  nearly  over  mouth  of  patient;  then, 
with  a  push,  suddenly  jerk  yourself  back.  Eest  about 
three  seconds;  then  begin  again,  repeating  these  bellows- 
blowing  movements  with  perfect  regularity  so  that  foul 
air  may  be  pressed  out,  and  pure  air  drawn  into  lungs, 
about  eight  or  ten  times  a  minute,  for,  at  least,  one  hour, 
or  until  the  patient  breathes  naturally. 

"Prevent  crowding  around  patient;  plenty  of  fresh  air 
is  important.  Be  careful  not  to  interrupt  the  first  short 
natural  breaths.  If  they  be  long  apart,  carefully  continue 
between  them  the  bellows-blowing  movements  as  before. 
After  breathing  is  regular,  let  patient  be  rubbed  dry, 
wrapt  in  warm  blankets,  take  hot  spirits  and  water  in 
occasional  doses,  and  then  be  left  to  rest  and  sleep." 

KoTE.— The  above  directions  must  be  used  on  the  spot,  the  first  instant 
the  patient  is  taken  from  the  water.  A  moment's  delay  and  success  is 
hopeless. 


APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  BEING  FROZEN. 

Where  animation  has  been  suspended  by  freezing,  it 
may  be  restored  in  some  cases  even  when  it  has  ceased 
for  several  days.  Great  care  should  be  taken  in  moving 
persons  in  this 'condition,  so  that  no  part  of  the  body  may 
be  injured.  Let  them  be  taken  from  the  open  air  under 
cover,  but  consider  that  even  a  very  moderate  heat  may  kill 
them;  a  cold  room  or  a  barn  where  there  is  not  the  least 
draught,  is  the  best  place.     Cover  them  entirely  with 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  443 

snow,  face  and  all,  leaving  merely  the  mouth  and  the 
nostrils  free,  in  such  a  manner  that  every  part  of  the 
body  is  covered  with  several  inches  of  it.  Place  them  in 
such  a  position  that  the  melted  snow  may  run  off  easily, 
and  be  replaced  by  fresh.  When  there  is  no  snow  put 
them  into  a  cold  bath,  the  temperature  of  which  has  been 
reduced  by  ice.  If  ice  is  attached  to  the  body  or  to  the 
clothes,  remove  it. 

In  this  manner  thaw  the  body  until  every  part  becomes 
perfectly  pliable,  then  gradually  remove  the  clothing,  if 
necessary,  by  cutting  it  from  the  body.  As  the  limbs 
become  soft  and  pliable,  commence  rubbing  them  with 
snow,  and  continue  it  until  they  become  red;  then  place 
the  patient  on  a  dry  bed,  and  rub  him  with  cold  flannel 
cloths,  stockings,  old  pieces  of  felt,  etc. 

If  signs  of  returning  life  do  not  soon  manifest  them- 
selves under  this  treatment,  small  injections  containing 
camphor — a  drop  of  spirit  of  camphor  to  half  a  tumblerful 
of  water — may  be  administered  every  quarter  or  half  hour. 
If  the  patient  begins  to  revive  during  the  friction,  or  after 
taking  the  camphor,  and  gives  symptoms  of  returning 
animation,  administer  small  injections  of  lukewarm  coffee 
without  milk, — and  as  soon  as  he  can  swallow,  give  him 
some  coffee — a  teaspoonful  at  a  time. 

It  frequently  takes  hours  to  restore  life,  but  wq  ought 
not  to  be  sparing  of  labor.  For  the  violent  pains  which 
are  felt  sometimes  after  the  sufferer  has  revived,  give 
Carbo  vegctabilis  every  five  to  six  hours,  and  if  this  proves 
unavailing,  Arsenicuvi.  If  heat  or  stinging  pains  are  felt 
in  the  head,  a  few  doses  of  Aconifum  will  be  of  service. 
If  the  patient  craves  wine  or  brandy,  a  small  quantity 
may  be  given  to  him. 

A  person  who  has  recovered  from  freezing,  must  avoid 
the  heat  of  the  stove  and  of  the  fire  for  a  considerable 
time,  as  serious  maladies,  particularly  diseases  of  the  bones, 
are  liable  to  result  therefrom.    See  "  Frostbite." 


444  GENERAL   DISEASES. 


APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  LIGHTNING. 

A  person  rendered  insensible  by  a  stroke  of  lightning, 
should  be  at  once  placed  into  a  freshly  made  opening  in 
the  ground,  in  a  position  half  sitting,  half  lying,  with  the 
face  toward  the  sun,  and  be  covered  all  over  with  fresh 
ground.  As  soon  as  he  moves  the  eyes,  give  internally  a 
few  globules  of  Nnx  vomica,  by  placing  them  upon  the 
tongue,  and  repeat  the  dose  in  half  an  hour,  if  there  is  no 
sign  of  returning  consciousness.  The  same  remedy  may 
also  be  given  in  injection,  by  dissolving  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  globules  in  half  a  pint  of  water. 

The  complaints  whieh  fn(|iK'ntly  follow  restoration,  may 
generally  be  removed  by  >Sulji]iur  and  A\x  vomica.  For 
blindness,  Phosphorus. 

If  you  cannot  place  the  patient  in  the  ground,  put  him 
in  a  current  of  cool,  fresh  air,  and  dash  plenty  of  cold 
water  over  his  face,  neck  and  chest,  and  use  Nux  vomica 
as  above. 

APPARENT  DEATH  FROM  MENTAL  EMOTIONS  AND 
OTHER  CAUSES. 

Look  under  the  different  heads  of  the  causes.  A  case 
of  apparent  death  from  violent  mortification,  was  restored 
by  Chamomilla.  After  suppressed  grief,  give  Ignatia. 
After  fright  and  violent  anger,  Aconitum.  After  grief 
caused  by  disappointed  love,  where  apparent  death  fol- 
lowed after  a  violent  pain  at  the  heart,  Lachcsis  restoretl 
the  patient. 

In  cases  of  sudden,  apparent  death  after  violent  mental 
emotions,  you  may,  besides  the  remedies  stated  before, 
give  Apis  or  Glonoine,  if  the  face  is  pale.  Apis  if  it  com- 
menced like  hunting,  with  such  a  -weakness  that  the  pa- 
tient had  to  sit  down  on  the  spot,  or  fell  down;  sometimes 
with  vomiting ;  particularly  if  it  occurred  after  great  mta- 


GENERAL    DISEASES.  44o 

tal  or  bodily  pain.     Glonoinc,  if  the  patient  put  his  hand 
suddenly  upon  his  heart  or  head;  afterwards  cold  sweat. 
Opium  is  better  if  the  face  is  blue,  as  stated  under  "Ap- 
parent Death  from  Suffocation." 


APOPLEXY. 

For  the  premonitory  symptoms  of  this  complaint,  such 
as  great  inclination  to  sleep;  general  feeling  of  dulness  or 
heaviness;  dimness  before  the  eyes;  buzzing  in  the  ears; 
hardness  of  hearing;  heavy,  profound  sleep  and  snoring; 
frequent  yawning  and  fatigue  after  the  least  exertion; 
acute  pains  in  the  head;  vertigo  or  giddiness;  fainting; 
irritability  of  temper;  loss  of  memory;  forgetfulness  of 
words  or  things;  acuteness  of  vision,  or  double  vision; 
difficulty  of  swallowing;  numbness,  or  pricking  sensation 
in  the  extremities;  congestion  of  blood  to  the  head,  with 
throbbing  of  the  arteries  of  the  neck;  red  face,  and  quick, 
full  pulse,  etc. :  see  "  Determination  of  Blood  to  the  Head." 

In  cases  of  apoplexy,  bleeding  is  sometimes  practiced ; 
the  revival  of  the  patient  may  possibly  be  hastened  by  it, 
but,  at  the  same  time,  his  death  may  be  liastcned  too. 
The  patient  should  at  once  be  placed,  if  possible,  in  bed, 
with  the  head  high,  the  clothing  loosened  about  the  neck 
and  chest;  plenty  of  fresh  air  should  be  obtained  and 
perfect  quiet  enjoined. 

If  the  pulse  is  slow  and  full,  face  red  or  pale,  give  Opium; 
l)ut  a  few  globules  of  it  upon  the  tongue  of  the  patient, 
and  use  some  globules,  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water,  as  an 
injection ;  if  the  pulse  is  very  weak,  give  Lachesia  in  the 
same  way. 

In  other  respects,  select  a  remedy  according  to  the  cause, 
and  particularly  according  to  the  symptoms  which  pre- 
ceded the  fit.  If  it  was  preceded  by  nausea  or  inclination 
to  vomit,  or  if  the  patient  vomits  when  he  recovers,  give 
Amimon.  tart.;  if  not  better  in  half  an  hour,  use  a  solution 


44G  GENERAL    DISEASES. 

of  the  same  remedy  as  an  injection.  Select,  according  to 
the  sj'mptoms,  from  the  following:  Aconitum,  Veratrum, 
Pulsatilla,  Phosphoric  acid,  Nux  vomica,  Arsenicum,  Antimo- 
ninm  crndum,  Hyoscyamus. 

The  limits  of  this  M'ork  Avill  not  admit  of  a  more  ex- 
tended notice  of  the  disorder ;  nor,  indeed,  is  that  neces- 
sary, as  the  treatment  should  in  all  cases  be  under  the 
management  of  a  homoeopathic  physician. 


DIPHTHERIA,  DIPHTHERITIS. 

This  disease  has  been  ob.servcd  and  described  by  med- 
ical -writers  of  all  nations  under  different  names.  Its 
history  has  indeed  been  traced  back  as  far  as  Homer. 
In  the  sixteenth  century  it  was  epidemic  in  Holland,  and 
was  described  by  P.  Forrest.  Towards  the  end  of  that 
century  it  raged  in  Spain,  killing  a  great  number  by  suf- 
focation; whence  it  was  called  garotilla.  Since  then  it 
has  been  observed  everywhere,  more  or  less  violent ;  and 
in  this  country  within  a  few  years. 

It  consists  of  a  croupous  or  plastic  exudation  from  tho 
mucous  membrane  of  the  throat,  mouth  and  nostrils; 
commencing  with  feverishness,  chilliness  and  some  diffi- 
culty in  swallowing.  The  throat  looks  inflamed;  often 
of  a  dark  mahogany  color;  and  soon  becomes  covered 
(usually  after  the  first  or  second  daj')  with  a  dirty-grayish, 
or  yellowish-gray  exudation  or  deposit  of  various  thick- 
ness ;  commencing  in  spots  and  patches,  generally  on  the 
tonsils  at  first ;  spreading  over  the  soft  palate  and  fauces 
into  the  posterior  uares  and  cavity  of  the  nose,  and  in 
some  cases  into  the  oesophagus  and  larynx.  When  this 
skinny  exudation  is  loosened  and  removed  by  external 
means,  it  merely  shows  an  inflamed-looking,  sometimes  an 
excoriated  or  ulcerated  surface  of  the  mucous  membrane 
Ijeneath,  which  is  soon  covered  again  by  the  same  mem- 
brane.   Where  it  is  loosened  and  thrown  off  sisoutancously. 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  447 

it  does  not  generally  renew  itself.  In  malignant  cases 
tliis  pseudo-membrane  dissolves  into  an  ill-looking  ichor- 
ous mass,  under  which  the  mucous  membrane  appears  in 
decayed  shreds  or  dark  colored  crusts,  emitting  a  most 
ofi'ensive  odor.  Mostly  there  co-exists  a  swelling  of  the 
glands  beneath  the  jaw,  the  parotid  glands  and  of  the 
lymphatics.  The  great  prostration  of  all  the  vital  powers, 
which  accompanies  it  from  the  tirst,  is  quite  characteristic 
of  this  complaint. 

As  to  its  causes,  all  writers  agree  that  it  is  the  eilect  of 
some  specific  poison,  the  nature  of  which  we  know  just  as 
little  as  that  of  cholera,  typhus,  or  yellow  fever;  and  as 
all  persons  are  not  attacked  by  it,  it  requires  a  predisposi- 
lion  of  the  organism  to  it.  We  do  not  know,  however,  in 
what  this  consists.  Besides,  the  atmospheric  influences 
upon  its  spreading  arc  not  clearly  understood ;  it  seems, 
however,  that  it  is  rather  more  prevalent  in  spring  and 
summer  than  in  winter,  and  more  in  damp,  rainy  weatlier 
than  in  a  uniformly  dry  temperature. 

Diphtheria  is  not  usually  considered  contagious,  like 
the  eruptive  fevers  (scarlatina,  measles,  small-pox) ;  there 
is  no  evidence  that  it  ever  was  conveyed  in  the  clothing, 
etc.;  but  we  can  easily  conceive  of  an  epidemic  cause, 
which  may  bring  about  more  or  less  contamination  of  the 
atmosphere,  thus  rendering  susceptible  persons  liable  to 
contract  the  disease  from  breathing  the  atmosphere;  or  it 
may  be  propagated  by  an  immediate  inoculation  of  a 
portion  of  the  vitiated  secretions  to  an  absorbent  surface 
of  another  person,  provided  this  person  afford  a  congenial 
soil  in  which  the  specific  cause  may  develop  its  sjiecific 
effects.  The  patient  should,  for  reasons  which  are  plain, 
be  isolated;  and  the  utmost  care  used  with  regard  to  the 
soiled  linen  and  the  emanations  from  the  body,  to  prevent 
the  spread  of  the  disease. 

A  rash  on  the  skin,  resembling  sometimes  measles,  at 
other  times  scarlet  fever,  often  accompanies  this  disease; 


448  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

it  breaks  out  sometimes  at  the  beginning,  sometimes  at  a 
later  period ;  in  a  great  number  of  cases  it  does  not  appear 
at  all;  it  may  last  only  a  few  hours,  or  remain  a  longer 
time,  or  reappear  after  having  been  absent  for  several  days. 

An  attack  of  diphtheria  is  not  unfrequently  followed 
by  partial  paralysis  of  some  portion  or  portions  of  the 
body.  This  paralysis  does  not  usually  appear  at  once 
after  the  attack,  but  a  period  of  several  weeks  may  elapse, 
and  after  the  patient  is  apparently  c^uite  well  the  trouble 
appears.  Difficulty  in  swallowing,  due  to  paralysis  of  the 
muscles  of  swallowing,  is  the  most  common  form,  though 
the  extremities  may  be  affected.  The  heart  often  becomes 
greatly  weakened  during  the  progress  of  the  disease  and 
sometimes  proves  itself  inadequate  to  perform  its  work  if 
an  extra  tax  is  put  upon  it.  So  that  death  may  result 
after  even  a  slight  exertion,  or  paralysis  of  the  heart  may 
occur.  The  sj'stem  generally  is  left  in  a  weakened,  anise- 
mic  condition  after  a  bad  attack  of  diphtheria,  and  weeks 
are  frequently  consumed  ere  health  is  fully  restored.  Salt 
air  is  a  great  help  to  those  convalescing  from  this  disease. 

The  mildest  attacks  in  the  commencement  have  resulted 
unfavorably.     Bad  signs  are : 

The  acrid  discharge  from  the  nostrils.  The  invasion 
of  the  larynx  or  the  development  of  diphtheritic  croup. 
Hemorrhages  from  nose  and  mouth ;  purpura ;  ]ietechia3. 
Coldness  of  the  external  surface  of  the  body.  Albumin- 
uria; diarrhoea  and  vomiting.  Convulsions.  Complica- 
tions with  scarlet  fever. 

Certain  localities  and  seasons  seem  to  be  the  occasion 
of  more  dangerous  cases  tlian  others. 

During  the  progress  of  the  disease  and  afterward  for  some  days  or  weeks 
even,  the  utmost  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  diet  and  hygiene  of  the 
patient.  The  most  nourishing  food  must  be  given  at  short  intervals,  and 
if  the  prostration  is  consider.Tble,  whisky  is  to  be  given  freely.  The  patient 
must  lie  in  bed,  and  in  Ijad  cases  retain  constantly  the  recumbent  position. 


GENERAL   DISEASES.  449 


Treatment. 

Bryonia,  the  patient  is  quiclcly  prostrated,  shuns  all 
motions,  and  complains,  on  moving  or  when  being  moved, 
of  pain  everywhere;  white  tongue;  feeling  of  dryness  in 
the  mouth  without  peculiar  thirst,  or  else  desire  for  large 
quantities  of  water. 

Belladonna,  the  patient  is  restless,  complains  of  sore 
throat;  the  fauces  look  highly  inflamed;  the  pupils  are 
enlarged;  he  feels  drowsj',  and  yet  unable  to  fall  asleep; 
starts  suddenly  out  of  sleep. 

Lachesis,  when,  after  Belladonna,  by  next  evening  there 
is  no  marked  change  for  the  better;  or  when  he  is  even 
worse  in  the  morning  after  some  sleep,  with  a  decided 
development  of  those  skinny  patches  on  the  tonsils,  worse 
on  the  left  side ;  or  when  croupy  symptoms  appear,  and 
the  patient  cannot  bear  anything  touching  his  neck  and 
throat. 

Lycopodium,  when  the  aspect  of  the  fauces  is  rather  of 
a  brownish-redness,  worse  on  right  side,  and  worse  from 
swallowing  warm  drinks;  when  the  nose  is  stopped  up, 
and  the  patient  cannot  breathe  with  his  mouth  shut;  he 
keeps  his  mouth  constantly  open,  slightly  projecting  his 
tongue,  which  gives  him  a  silly  expression ;  the  nostrils 
are  widely  dilated  with  every  inspiration ;  on  awakening 
out  of  a  short  nap,  he  is  awfully  cross,  kicks  and  behaves 
in  a  naughty  way  (if  a  child),  or  he  jumps  up  in  bed,  stares 
about  and  knows  nobody,  seemingly  dreaming  with  open 
eyes;  frequent  jerkings  of  the  lower  limbs,  mostly  with  a 
groan,  awake  or  slumbering ;  great  fear  of  being  left  alone. 

Rhus  toxicodendron,  when  the  child  is  restless,  wants  to 
be  carried  about,  wakes  up  every  now  and  then  complain- 
ing of  ]iain  in  the  throat;  bloody  saliva  runs  out  of  the 
mouth  during  sleep;  the  parotid  glands  are  a  good  deal 
swollen ;  there  are  transparent,  jelly-like  discharges  from 
the  bowels  as  stool,  or  afterwards. 


450  GENERAL   DISEASES. 

Apis,  great  debility  from  the  beginning ;  the  membrane 
assumes  at  once  a  dirty-grayish  color,  or  there  is  great 
oedema  of  the  soft  palate  and  uvula ;  puffiness  around  the 
eyes ;  pain  in  the  ears,  when  swallowing ;  an  itchy,  sting- 
ing eruption  on  the  skin ;  a  sensation  of  weakness  in  the 
larynx ;  numbness  of  the  feet  and  hands  and  even  paraly- 
sis.    (Never  does  good  either  before  or  after  Rhus  tox.) 

Antimon.  tart.,  difficult  breathing,  gasping  for  air;  rat- 
tling in  the  chest ;  retching,  vomiting  of  tenacious  mucus ; 
small  circular  patches,  like  small-pox  pustules,  in  and 
upon  the  mouth  and  tongue;  oedema  of  the  lungs. 

Ignatia.  In  many  cases  this  remedy  is  alone  required. 
There  is  more  or  less  membrane  in  the  throat,  usually  in 
greater  abundance  on  the  right  side.     Much  prostration. 

Mercurius.  Tongue  coated  thickly  white  or  yellowish. 
Much  salivation;  glands  swollen.  Much  membrane  on 
tonsils. 


INDEX. 


Abdomen,  affections  of,  282 

determination  of  blood  to,  ', 

wounds  of,  135 
Abortion,  344 
Absitss,  409 
Acids,  injurious  effects  of,  76 

poisoning  by,  107 
Administration  of  medicines,  15 
Adulteration  of  brandy,  87 

of  br«ad,  87 

of  butter,  87 

of  flour,  87 

of  malt  liquors,  8G 

of  milk  and  ice  cream,  87 

of  sweet  oil,  87 

of  vinegar,  86 

of  wine,  84 
Adulterations  and  poisons,  84 
Affections  of  abdomen,  282 

of  chest,  194 

of  ears,  179 

of  head,  149 

of  mind,  33 

of  mouth,  264 

of  nose,  188 

of  stomach,  268 

of  teeth,  238 

of  throat,  233 

of  tongue,  267 
After-pains,  354 
Ague,  418 

remedies  for,  426 
Alcohol,  poisoning  by,  109 
Alkaline  poisons,  antidotes,  108 
Alum,  poisoning  by,  109 
Anger,  40 

Antimony,  poisoning  Ijy,  111 
Anus,  itching  of,  294 
Apoplexy,  445 
Apparent  death,  439 

from  drowning,  441 

from  a  fall,  440 

from  l)eing  frozen,  442 

from  luingcr.  439 

of  infant,  362 


Apparent  death  from  lightning,  444 
from  mental  emotions,  etc.,  444 
ijom  Buflbcation,  hanging,  press- 
ure,  choking,  440 

Appetite,  want  of,  268 

Arsenic,  injurious  effects  of,  83 
poisoning  by,  110 

Ascarides,  294 

Asiatic  cholera,  312 

Asthma,  224 

Back,  pain  in,  414 

Bad  taste  in  mouth,  264  ■ 

Bed-sores,  411 

Bichromate  of  potash,  poisoning  by, 

110 
Bilious  fever,  430 
Bites  of  animals,  117 

of  leeches,  131 
■  of  mad  dogs,  120 

of  snakes,  118 
Bleeding  of  nose,  189 
Blindness,  attacks  of,  177 
Blood,  to  the  head,  151 

loss  of,  60 

spitting  of,  214 

vomiting  of,  276 
Boil,  405 
Bowels,  inflammation  of,  288 

pain  in,  46 
Brain,  concussion  of,  123 
Brandy,  adulteration  of,  87 
Bread,  adulteration  of,  87 
Breast,  catarrh  on,  219 
Breasts,  gathered,  360 

preparation   of,    during    preg- 
nancy, 349 

putting  infants  to,  364 

swelling  of,  in  infants,  371 
Breatli,  offensive,  265 
Breathing,  difficulty  of,  45 
Bronchitis,  219 
Bruises,  125 

of  eyes,  126 
Burns  and  scalds,  135 


452 


Butter,  adulteration  of,  i 
;  in  cars,  185 


Camphor,  injurious  effects  of,  95 

pulsoning  bv,  113 
Canker,  2C5 
Catarrli,  43 

of  chest,  219 

in  head,  191 

headache  from,  154 

nasal,  191 

of  stomach,  273 
Carbuncle,  406 

Chamomile,  injurious  effects  of,  7' 
Charcoal  gas,  poisoning  bv,  104 
Cheese,  poisonous,  89 
Chest,  atlections  of,  194 

catarrh  of,  219 

congestion  of,  214 
Chicken-pox,  398 
Chilblain,  410 
ChilJ-I.irlli,  :i51 
CliilMi^  li,  .  1^  1-1. -dins?  of,  02 


(■In 


n-  .liectsof, 
iujurious    ell 


Chlorosis,  332 

Choldug,  apparent  death  from,  440 

Cholera,  jVsiatic  or  epidemic,  312 

infantum,  379 

morbus,  310 
Chronic  rheumatism,  414 
Coffee,  bad  eliccts  ,.i,  74 
Cold,  consequences  I  if,  42 

headache  from,  47 

water,  injurious  cflects  from,  (IG 
Colic,  65,  282 

of  infants,  370 
Complaints     accompanying     inter- 
mittent fever,  428 
Concussion  of  brain,  123 
Continement,   constipation    during, 
359 

diarrhoea  durinf^,  359 

within  doors,  /JS 

duration  of,  355 
Congestive  or  pernicions  fever,  430 
Congestion  of  chest,  214 
Constipation,  314 

during  confinement,  359 

headache  from,  156 

of  infants,  309 

during  pregnancy,  340 
Convulsions,  epileptic,  416 


34 


consequence    of 


Consumption  of  the  lungs,  23" 
Copper,  poisoning  by,  ill 
Corns,  410 
Corrosive   sublimate,  poisoning  by, 

110 
Coryza,  191 

Cosmetics,  poisonous,  93 
Cough,  44,  190 

whooping,  206 
Cramp  in  limbs,  416 

during  labor,  353 

from  over-feeding,  64 

during  pregnancy,  343 

of  stomach,  277 
Croup,  210 
Crying  of  infants,  371 

Death,  apparent,  439 

from  drowning,  441 

from  :i  kill,  440 

from  I.L-in-  I'rozcn,  442 

from  linn^ur,  4u9 

from  lightning,  444 

from  mental  emotions,  etc.,  444 

from  suffocation,  lianging,  press- 
ure, choking,  440 
Defects  of  vision,  175 
Delirium  tremens,  73 
Delivery,  flooding  after,  354 

treatment  after,  354 
Dentition,  377 

Derangement    of  mind    in  conse- 
quence of  fright,  35 
Despondencv     during     pr^nancv, 

3-14 
Diarrha-a,  301 

from  ai'ids,  76 

lr..m  taking  cold.  45 

during  cnntinement,  359 

of  infants,'  309 

in  consei|Uence  of  mental  emo- 
tions. 34 

from  (ivcr-fceiling.  Go 

during  pregnancy,  340 

from  disordered  stomach,  65 
Diet,  forbidden,  23 

during  pregnancv,  336 

of  sick,  21 
DiltK-uhv  < 4"  breathing,  45 
DiplitlKTia.  440 
Dil.btlaritis.  440 
l)ircctiuns  for  prescribing,  16 


453 


Diseases  of  eyes,  166 

treatment  nf,  149 

of  women,  324 
Disloc-utions,  127 
Dogs,  mad,  bite  of,  120 
Dose,  repetition  of,  IS 
Dropsy,  418 

Drowning,  apparent  death  from,  441 
Drugs,  injurious  eliects  of,  77 
Drunkenness,  69 
Dry  rot,  injurious  efl'ect  of,  105 
Dvsenterv,  307 
Dyspepsia,  269 

Earac-Iie,  48,  ISl 

Ears,  attections  of,  47,  179 

buzzing  in,  47,  18o 

discharge  from,  of  infants,  382 

eruptions  of,  179 

foreign  bodies  in,  140 

inflammation  of,  ISO 

pain  in,  ISl 

running  of,  183 
Emotions,  mental,  33 
P^pilepsy,  416 
Epileptic  convulsions,  416 
Epistaxis,  189 
Ergot,  poisoning  by,  112 
Eruptive  fevers,  392 
Eruptions  of  ears,  179 

from  over-feeding,  66 
Eructations,  64 
Erysipelas,  404 
Excesses,  S8 

Excoriation  of  infants,  368 
Exertion,  52 
Exhaustion,  52 
External  injuries,  123 
Evelids,  intiammation  and  swelling 
r>f,  167 

styes  on,  169 
Eyes,  affections  of,  47 

bruises  of,  126 

diseases  of,  166 

foreign  bodies  in,  139 

inflammation  of,  170 

sore,  of  infants,  365 

scrofula  of,  172 

Fareaclie,  262 

Face,  neuralgia  of,  262 

swelled,  261 
Fainting,  438 

and  hysterical  fits  during  preg- 
nancy, 341 

in  consequence  of  fright,  35 


False  pains  during  pregnancy,  349 

Fatigue,  54 

Fear,  consetiiience  of,  35 

Feet,  sore,  411 

sore  from  walking,  55 

supjiressed  perspiration  of,  43 
Felon,  407 
Fever  and  ague,  418 

congestive  or  pernicious,  430 

intermittent,  418 

intermittent,  complaints  accom- 


>'ng, 


428 


milk,  357 

from  over-feeding,  66 

remittent  or  bilious,  430 

scarlet,  395 

tvplioid,  431 

yellow,  432 
Fevers,  eruptive,  392 
Fish,  poisonous,  90,  114 
Fits  in  consequence  of  fright,  34 

in  consequence  of  grief,  36 
Flatulency,  65,  287 
Flooding  after  labor,  354 

during  pregnancy,  347 
Flour,  adulteration  of,  87 
Fluids,  loss  of,  60 
Food,  forbidden,  23 

for  sick,  21 
Foreign  bodies  in  throat,  141 
Foreign  substances,  139 

introduced    into   human   body, 
139 

into  ear,  140 

into  eye,  139 

into  larvnx  or  windpipe,  145 

into  nose,  141 

into  skin,  147 

into  stmnach  and  intestines,  144 
Furuncle,  405 

malignant,  406 
Fractures,  127 
I'Vight,  consequences  of,  33 

convulsions   in  consequence  of, 
34 

diarrhoea  in  consequence  of,  34 
Fainting  in  consequence  of,  35 
Fits  in  consequence  of,  34 

derangement  of  mind  in  conse- 
quence of,  35 

vomiting  in  consequence  of,  34 
Frost-bite,  138,  410 
F'rozen,  being,  apparent  death  from, 

442 
Fruits,  injurious,  90 

disordered  stomach  from,  61 


454 


(Jases,  poisonous,  antidotes,  103 

(iathered  breasts,  360 

Gathering  in  ear,  382 

Giddiness,  149. 

Gout,  411 

(rreen  sickness,  332 

(Jrief  and  sorrow,  36 

Gums,  bleeding  of,  134 

Hair,  cutting  tlie,  bad  effects  from, 
43,  51 

dyes,  poisonous,  93 

falling  out  of,  165 

falling  ofl'  of,  while  nursing,  361 
Hanging,  apparent  death  from,  440 
Hardness  ol  hearing,  186 
Head,  alieetions  of,  149 

blood  to,  151 

catarrh  in,  191 

scald,  of  infants,  374 

scurf  on,  of  infants,  373 

swelling  and  elongation  of,  in 
infants,  364 

wounds  of,  135 
Headache,  153 

from  determination  of  blood,  153 

from  catarrh,  154 

from  cohl,  47 

from  constipation,  156 

from  heat,  53 

nervous,  160 

from  overfeeding,  63 

from  rheumatism,  155 

caused  by  suppression  of  rheu- 
matism, gout,  eruptions,  etc.,  164 

sick,  187 

from  disordered  stomach,  156 
Hearing,  hardness  of,  186 
Heart,  palpitation  of,  222 
Heartburn,  274 
Heat,  diarrhoea  from,  54 

headache  from,  53 

spots  of  infants,  382 
Hemorrhage  from  gums,  134 

from  leech-bites,  131 

from  lungs,  214 

from  nose,  189 

from  wounds,  129 
Hemorrhoids,  297 

during  i)regnaney,  343 
Herb  teas,  77 
Hernia,  323 

inguinal,  of  infants,  382 

umbilical,  of  infants,  382 
Hiccough  of  infants,  373 
Hoarseness,  194 


Home.sickness,  eflects  of,  37 
Hunger,  apparent  death  from,  439 
Hydrophobia,  120 

Ice,  injurious  effects  from. 

Ice  cream,  injurious  effects  from,  62, 

69 
Indigestion,  269 
Infants,  apparent  death  of,  362 

breasts,  swelling  of,  371 

colic,  370 

constipation,  369 

contracted  foreskin,  369 

crying,  371 

diarrhoea,  369 

discharge  from  ears,  382 

excoriation,  368 

eyes  sore,  365 

gum,  368 

heat  spots,  382 

hiccough,  373 

inguinal  hernia,  382 

jaundice,  367 

lameness,  384 

limping,  384 

meconium,  364 

milk-crust,  373 

navel,  dressing  of,  363 

navel,  rupture  of,  382 

nose,  obsti-uction  of,  366 

putting  to  breast,  364 

reception  at  birth,  362 

restlessness  and  wakefulness,  372 

ringworm  of  scalp,  374 

scald  head,  374 

scurf  on  head,  373 

snuffles,  366 

sore  mouth,  366 

sore  throat,  367 

s])asms,  375 

squinting,  384 

stuttering,  384 

summer  complaint,  379 

swelling  and  elongation  of  head, 
364 

teethiuii.  377 

treatment  of,  362 

uiiibiliial  hernia,  382 

retention  of  urine,  368 

vaccination,  387 

washing,  363 

weaning,  383 

wetting  bed,  384 

whites,  383 
Inflammation  of  bowels,  288 

of  ears,  180 


Inflammation  of  eves,  170 

ofeveliils,  169 

of  liver,  318 

of  lungs,  22S,  230 

of  stomafh,  288 

oi  tongue,  2()7 
Inflammatory  rheumatism,  412 
Innrowinn;  toe  nails,  408 
Inguinal  hernia  of  infants,  382 
Injuries,  external,  123 
Intermittent  fever,  418 

euinplaints  accompanying,  428 
Intestines,  foreign  bodies  in,  144 
Instructions  for  patients  liow  to  com- 
municate with  a  physician,  25 
Introduction,  15 
Intoxicating  plants,  112 
Intoxication,  ettects  of,  72 
Iodine,  injurious  effects  of,  80 

poisoning  by,  lO'J 
Iron,  injurious  effects  of,  83 
Irritability,  40 
It.h,  4U1 
Itching  of  anus,  294 

of  skin,  400 


Kitchen  salt,  injurious  efTects  of,  91 
Kitchen  utensils,  poisonous,  91 
Knees,  swelling  of,  60 

Labor,  351 

after  pains,  354 

flooding  after,  354 

protracted,  351 

retention  of  urine  after,  360 

spasmodic    pains,   cramps  and 
convuUions  during,  353 

treatment  after,  354 
Lameness  of  children,  384 
Larynx,  foreign  bodies  in,  145 
Laudanum,  injurious  effects  of,  77 
Lead,  injurious  effects  of,  82 

poisoning  by.  111 
Light,  dread  of,  178 
Lightning,  apparent  death  from,  444 
Limbs,  cramp  in,  41ti 

pain  in,  49 
Limping  of  children,  384 
Liver,  inflammation  of,  318 

pains  in,  318 
Lochia,  350 
Ixick-jaw,  133 
Loins,  pain  in,  414 


Long-sightedness    (hypermetropia), 
176 

Love,  disappointment  in,  36 

Leucorrhcea  (whites),  334 
of  children,  383 

Lumbago,  414 

Lungs,  consumption  of,  232 
inflammation  of,  228,  230 
hemorrhage  from,  214 

Luxations,  127 

Mad  dogs,  bite  of,  antidotes,  120 
Magnesia,  injurious  effects  of,  80 
Malignant  furuncle,  406 
Malt  liquors,  adulteration  of,  86 

bad  eflects  from,  69 
Mania-a-potu,  73 
Masturbation,  eflects  of,  59 


Meat,  putrefied,  poisoning  by,  115 

poisonous,  89 
Meconium,  364 

Medicines,  administration  of,  18 
Memory,  weakness  of,  150 
Menses,  cessation  of,  333 

copious,  329 

suppression  of,  327 
Menstruation,  324 

cessation  of,  333 

painful,  330 

during  pregnancy,  337 

morning  sickness  during,  339 

suppression  of,  327 

tardy,  325 

tvX)  copious,  329 
Mental  application,  excessive,  58 
Mental  emotions,  33 

apparent  death  from,  444 
Mercury,  injurious  eflects  of,  81 
Miscarriage,  344 
Missteps,  125 
Milk,  adulteration  of,  87 

bad  effects  from,  69 

crust,  373 

excessive  secretion  of,  358 

fever,  357 

invohmtary  emission  of,  358 

poisonous,  89 

suppressed  secretion  of,  358 
Mind,  affections  of,  33 

derangement  of,  in  consequence 
of  fright,  35 
Mouth,  affections  of,  264 

bad  taste  in,  264 
Monthly  sickness,  324 
Morning  sickness,  339 


456 


Morphine,  injurious  effects  of,  77 
Mouth,  sore,  of  infants,  366 
Mumps,  179 
Mushrooms,  poisonous,  91,  112 

Nails,  toe,  infjrowing,  408 

Nasal  catarrli,  191 

Nausea  from  riding  in  a  carriage,  56 

Nausea  and  vomiting,  49,  275 

Navel,  dressing  the,  of  infants,  363 

rupture  of,  in  infants,  382 
Near-sightedness  (myopia),  175 
Neck,  wry,  415 
Nervous  headache,  160 
Nettle  rash,  402 
Neuralgia  of  face,  262 
Night-mare,  66,  417 
Nights,  sitting  up  at,  effects  of,  57 
Nipples  sore,  360 

Nitrate  of  silver,  poisoning  by,  111 
Nose,  aflections  of,  188 

bleeding  of,  189 

catarrh  of,  191 

coryza,  191 

foreign  bodies  in,  141 

obstruction  of,  in  infants,  366 

ozsena,  191 

swelling  of,  188 
Nursing,  tailing  ofJof  hair  while,  361 

weaJiness  Irom,  361 

Offensive  breath,  265 
Old-sightedness  (presbyopia),  175 
Ophthalmia  of  infants,  365 

scrofulous,  172 
Opium  or  laudanum,  poisoning  by, 
113 

injurious  effects  of,  77 
Overfeeding  of  children,  62 

colic  from,  65 
J         cramps  from,  64 

diarrhoea  from,  65 

eruptions  from,  66 

fever  from,  66 

flatulency  from,  65 

headaclie  from,  63 

nightmare  from,  66 

sleeplessness  from,  66 

vomiting  from,  64 
Overheating,  52 
Overlifting,  124 
Ozsena,  191 

Panaceas  and  vermifuges,  poisonous, 

94 
Pain  in  bowels,  46 


Pain,  false,  during  pregnancy,  349 

in  limbs,  49 
Paints,  poisonous,  92 
Palpitation  of  heart,  222 
Pernicious  fever,  430 
Perspiration,  suppressed,  of  feet,  43 
Peruvian  bark.  78 
Pliosphorus,  poisoning  br,  109 
Piles,  297 

Pink  root,  poisoning  bv,  113 
Pleurisy,  228 
Pneumonia,  230 
Poisoned  wounds,  117 
Poisoning,  treatment  in  case  of,  96 

antidotes,  general,  97 

antidotes,  table  of,  122 

by  acids,  mineral,  107 

alcohol,  109 

alkalies,  108 

alum,  109 

antimony.  111 

arsenic,  110 

bichromate  of  potash,  110 

bismuth,  112 

blighted  grains  (ergot),  112 

camphor,  113 

cheese,  115 

copper.  111 

charcoal  gas,  104 

chlorine  gas,  105 

dry  rot,  105 

gases,  103 

hair  of  caterpillars,  114 

honey,  poisonous,  114 

intoxicating  plants,  112 

iodine,  109 

lead.  111 

liver  of  sulphur,  108 

laudanum,  113 

meat,  putritied,  115 

mushrooms,  112 

nitrate  of  silver,  HI 

opium,  113 

painting  of  houses,  106 

phosphorus,  109 

pink  root,  113 

poison  vine,  1 13 

prussic  acid,  106,  109 

saltpetre,  sal  ammoniac,  110 

shell  fish,  114 

Spanish  flies,  114 

spirits  tur{)entine,  114 

sublimate,  corrosive,  110 

tin.  111 

vitriol,  110 

zinc,  112 


Poison  vine  or  ivy,  113 
Poisons  and  ailnlterations,  84 
animal,  antiilotes,  114 
generated  by  disease,  110 
vegetable,  antidotes,  112 
Potassium,     iodide     of,     injurious 

effects  of,  80 
Pregnancy,  335 

constipation  during,  340 
cramps  during,  343 
depression  of  spirits  during,  344 
derangements  during,  33(5 
diarrhoea  during,  340 
diet  during,  336 
dress  during,  336 
exercise  during,  336 
fainting  and  hysterical  fits  dur- 
ing, 341 
false  pains  during,  349 
flooding  during,  347 
hemorrhoids  during,  343 
incontinence  of  urine  during, 

343 
itching  or  pruritus  during,  340 
pain  in  back  during,  343 
preparation  of  the  breasts  dur- 
ing, 349 
menstruation  during,  337 
toothache  during,  341 
varicose  veins  during,  342 
vertigo  and   headache  during, 

Prescribing,  directions  for,  16 
Prickly  heat  of  infants,  382 
Prolapsus  ani,  296 
Protracted  labor,  351 
Pruritus  during  pregnancy,  340 
Prussic    acid,    poisoning"  bv,    106, 
109 

Quinine,  injurious  effects  of,  78 
(Quinsy,  233 

Rash  from  disordered  stomach,  66 

nettle,  402 

scarlet,  398 
Rectum,  prolapsus  of,  296 
"  Red  gum  "  of  infants,  368 
Regimen  of  the  sick,  21 
Remedies  for  ague,  426 
Remittent  or  bilious  fever,  430 
Rheumatism,  clinmic,  414 

headache  from,  155 

inflammatory,  412 
Ring-worm  on  scalp  of  infants,  374 
Rose,  404 


Roseola,  402 
Running  of  ears,  183 
Rupture,  323 

Salt,  injurious  effect  of,  91 

Saltpetre,  poisoning  by,  110 

Scabies,  401 

Scald  head  of  infants,  374 

Scalds,  135 

Scalp,  ring-worm  on,  of  infants,  374 

Scarlatina,  395 

Scarlet  fever,  395 

rash,  398 
Scrofula  of  eyes,  172 
Scrofulous  ophtlialmia,  172 
Scurf  on  head  of  infants,  373 
Scurvy,  265 
Sea-sickness,  276 
Sensitiveness  and  irritability,  40 
Self-abuse,  eflects  of,  69 
Sick  headache,  157 
Sick,  regimen  of  the,  21 
Sitting  up  at  night,  effects  of,  57 
Skin,  diseases  of,  400 

foreign  bodies  in,  147 

itching  of,  400 
Sleeplessness,  417 

from  drinking  coffee,  74 

of  infants,  372 

from  over-feeding,  66 
Small-pox,  398 
Snakes,  bites  of,  118 
Snuffles,  366 
Sore  leet,  411 

nipples,  360 

throat,  233 

throat  from  cold,  48 
Sorrow,  36 
Sour  food,  76 

Spanish  flies,  poisoning  by,  114 
Spasms  of  infants,  375 

of  stomach,  277 
Spectacles,  selection  of,  175 
Spices,  injurious  eflects  of,  76 
Spitting  of  blood,  214 
Sprains,  125,  126 
Squinting  of  children,  178,  384 
St.  Anthony's  fire,  404 
Stings  and  bites  of  animals,  117 
Stitch  in  side,  228 
Stomach,  affections  of,  268 

catarrh  of,  273 

cramp  of,  277 

(liarrlid'a  from  disordered,  65 

disunlercl,  60 

disordered,  headache  from,  156 


458 


Stomach,  foreign  bodies  in,  144 

inflammation  of,  288 

pain  in,  277 

spasms  of,  277 

weakness  of,  269 
Storm,  affected  by,  51 
Stuttering  of  children,  384 
Styes  on  eyelids,  169 
Sudden  mental  emotions,  33 
Sulphur,  injurious  effects  of,  80 

poisoning  by,  108 
Summer  complaint,  379 
Sun-stroke,  52 

Surfeiting,  consequences  of,  60 
Swelled  face,  261 
Swelling  of  nose,  188 
Swooning,  438 

Tape-worms,  294 
Taste  bad,  in  mouth,  264 
Tea,  bad  effects  of,  75 
Teeth,  affections  of,  238 

care  of,  239 
Teething,  377 
Throat,  affections  of,  233 

foreign  bodies  in,  141 

sore,"233 

sore  in  consequence  of  cold,  48 

sore,  of  infants,  367 
Thrush,  366 

Thunder-storm,  affected  by,  51 
Tic  douloureux,  262 
Tin,  poisoning  by.  111 
Toe-nails,  ingrowing,  408 
Tobacco,  bad  effects  of,  75 
Tongue,  affections  of,  267 

lameness  of,  268 

inflammation  of,  267 
Toothace,  238 

from  cold,  48 

from  cold  water,  67 

from  drinking  coflee,  74 

during  pregnancy,  34l 
Turpentine,  poisoning  by,  114 
Typhoid  fever,  431 

Ulcers,  407 

Umbilical  hernia  of  infants,  382 

Urination,  difficult,  320 

painful,  320 
Urinary  complaints,  320 
Urine,  bloody,  322 

incontinence  of,  during    preg- 
nancy, 343 

involuntary  emission  of,  320 


Urine,  retention  of,  in  infants,  368 

retention  of,  after  labor,  360 
Urticaria,  402 

Vaccination,  387 

Varicose  veins   during  pregnancy, 

Varioloid,  400 

Vegetables  and  fruits,  injurious,  90 

Vermifuges,  injurious  eflects  of,  94 

Vertigo,  149 

Vexation,  38 

Vinegar,  adulteration  of,  36 

Vision,  defects  of,  175 

Vitriol,  poisoning  by,  110 

Vomiting,  49,  275 

of  blood,  276 

in  consequence  of  fright,  34 

from  over-feeding,  64 

Warts,  411 

Washing  of  infants,  363 

Water,  cold,  injurious  effects  from, 

cold,  toothache  from,  67 

poisonous,  89 
Waterbrash,  274 
Weakness  of  memory,  150 

from  nursing,  361 
Weaning,  383 
Wells,  poisonous,  88 
Wetting  the  bed,  384 
Whites,  334 

of  children,  383 
Whitlow,  407 
Whooping-cough,  206 
Windpipe,  foreign  bodies  in,  145 
Wine,  adulteration  of,  84 

injurious  eflects  from,  62 
AVounds,  128 

of  abdomen,  135 

cleansing  of,  131 

dressing  of,  128 

of  head,  135 

hemorrhage  from,  129 

poisoned,  antidotes,  117 

treatment  of,  132 
Women,  diseases  of,  324 
Worms,  292 

tape,  294 
Wry-neck,  415 

Yellow  fever,  432 

Zinc,  poisoning  by,  112 


New  Catalogue  (1883)  of  the  Uahucmauu  Tublishiuij  House. 


F.  E.  BOERICKE'S 

(Late  BOERICKE  &  TAFEL) 

plomoeopatliic  Publications, 


PHILADELPHIA. 


ALLEN,  DR.  TIMOTHY  F.    The  Encyclopedia  of  Pure  Materia 
Medica;  a  Record  of  the  Positive   Effects  of  Drugs  upon  the 
Healthy  Human   Organism.     With  contributions  from  Dr.  Richard 
Hu<rh(s,  of  England ;  Dr.  C.  Hering,  of  Philadelphia ;  Dr.  Carroll  Dun- 
ham, (if  Xew  York;     Dr.  Adolph  Lippe,  of  Philadelphia,  and  others.   Ten 
volumes.     Price  bound  in  cloth,  $60.00;  in  half  morocco  or  sheep,   $70.00 
This  is  the  most  complete  and  extensive  work  on  Materia  Medica  ever 
attempted  in  the  history  of  medicine — a  work  to  which  the  homoeopathic  prac- 
titioner may  turn  with  the  certainty  of  finding  the  whole  pathogenetic  record 
of  any  remedy  ever  used  in  homojopathy,  the  record  of  which  being  published 
either  in  book  form  or  in  journals. 

"  Witli  the  Voliime.s  IX.  and  X.  now  before  us — Allen's  ENCYCLt.rFTiiA  op  Pure 
Materia  Medina— is  completed.  It  comprises  all  remedies  prove<l  or  :i|ipliwil  liy  Homoe- 
opaths. With  truly  wonderful  diligence  everj-thing  has  been  carelnlly  colhited  from  the 
whole  meilical  literature  that  could  be  put  under  contribution  to  Ilonioiipathy,  thus 
enabling  anyime  who  wants  to  make  a  thorough  study  of  Materia  Medica,  or  wlio  wants  to 
read  up  a  special  remedy  to  find  what  he  needs  and  where  to  look  for  it.  .  .  .  As 
re'.;arils  jiriuting,  paper,  and  general  get-up,  the  house  of  Boericke  &  Tafel  has  fully 
upheld  its  old  established  reputation." — From  (he  AUgemeine  Homoiopathische  Zcitung. 

ALLEN,  DR.  TIMOTHY  F.     A  General  Symptom  Register  of 
the    Homoeopathic    Materia    Medica. — 1,331    pages.      Large   8vo. 

Cloth,       ...  $12.00 

Half  morocco  or  sheep, $14.00 

This  valuable  work  was  eagerly  welcomed  by  the  homoeopathic  profession, 
and  a  large  portion  of  the  edition  has  already  been  disposed  of.  The  work  can 
be  obtained  through  every  homoeopathic  pharmacy,  and  those  desiring  to  secure  a 
copy  should  send  in  their  orders  without  delay,  as  but  a  limited  number  of 
copies  remain  available. 

"  The  long  hoped  for  '  Index '  has  come,  and  now  lies  before  us  in  all  the  glory  of  a 
comely  volume  of  1,331  pages,  beautifully  printed  on  good,  clear  paper,  and  bound  in 
cloth. 


2  F.    E.    BOERICKES 

"Every  scientific  practitionor  in  tlie  world  will  heartily  thank  the  indefatigable  author 
for  crowning  his  phariiKa(>-in<v(ln]nilic  edifice  so  promptly  with  a  workable  repertorial 
index.  Tlie  thing  we  are  most  tlKuikliil  for  is  that  the  arrangement  ts  alrietly  alpUubelical. 
First,  the  part'^n.ffected  ;  selh.nl>,  the  sensation,  conditioned  or  modified.  No  fads  or 
fancies,  theories  or  hypotheses.  Of  course  everybody  has  a  copy  of  the  '  Encyclopedia,'  and 
now  everybody  will  get  a  copy  of  the  Index.  \Ve  cannot  pretend  to  review  such  a  work. 
It  bears  every  mark  of  care,  capability  and  conscientiousness,  and  to  hunt  about  for  specks 
of  dirt  on  such  a  grand  picture  is  n-.t'ilir  l;iii.l  of  work  for  us.  The  only  piece  of  advice 
we  ottci-  to  intending  purchasers  i  1 1.  '  i '  .  -  !;  (nr  it  bound  in  leather,  for  common  cloth 
binding,  no  matter  how  nice  tn  il'  .  .  n-  i  I- i us  to  tear  at  the  back,  and  becomes  the 
source  of  endless  annoyance.  Tin-  i'li'lir-,,  ni  course,  to  a  work  for  irequent  reference, 
and  Allen's  •  Index '  is  'p™-ti™"y  :'  'ii'H"u;ii-y  to  his  '  Encyclopedia,'  and  as  such  will  be 
used  many  times  a  liuy."— From  'the  llumeopathic  World. 

ALLEN  AND  NORTON.  Ophthalmic  Therapeutics.  See  Nor- 
ton's Ophthaliuic  Thcrapoutics. 

ALLEN,  WILLIAM  A.  Repertory  of  the  Symptoms  of  Inter- 
mittent Fever.     Arranged  bv  William  A.  Allen.    107  pages.    12mo. 

Cloth.     Price,    .        .         .       " 81.00 

We  give  a  letter  of  Timothy  F.  Allen,  M.D.,  recommending  the  publication 

of  this  little  ivork  : 

"  I  liave  carefully  examined  the  repertory  of  Dr.  Wm.  Allen,  of  Flushing,  and  assure 

you  that  it  is  exceedingly  valuable.     It  shoulcl  be  printed  in  pocket  form.     I  should  use  it 

constantly.     Dr.  Allen"  has  a  large  experience  in  the  treatment  of  intermittents,  and  his 

own  observations  are  entitled  to  yrcat  rcsiiect." 

BAEHR,  DR.  B.     The  Science  of  Therapeutics  according  to  the 
Principles  of  Homoeopathy.     Translated  and  enriched  with  numer- 
ous additions  from  Kafka  and  other  sources,  by  C.  J.  Hempel,  M.D. 
Two  volumes.     1387  pages.     Half  morocco,       ....         $9.00 
"Tlie  descripticms  of  disease— no  easy  thing  to  write — are  always  clear  and  full,  some- 
times fcliiitniis.     The  stvic  i^  .a-v  and   nailalilc,  au  1  not  too  prolix.     Above  all,  the  rela- 
tions ol'  maladies  to  mcdi'riia--  ai.   -[iHli,.il  la,  1,^,  philosophically  than  experimentally,  with 
anavoidaurr  of  abstract  ibrMii/in-  .m  mi,,  -idr,  and  of  mere  empiricism  on  the  other,  which 
is  most  satis.'actiiry." — Frunt  the  JJrttish  Juunial  of  Homoeopathy. 

BELL  and  LAIRD,  DRS.     The    Homoeopathic  Therapeutics  of 
Diarrhoea,  Dysentery,  Cholera,  Cholera  ]\Iorbus,  Cholera  Infantum,  and 
all  other  Loose  Evacuations  of  the  Bowels;  by  James  B.  Bell,  M.D. 
Second  edition.     275  pages.     12mo.     Cloth,        ....         $1.50 
"Tins   little  book,  issued   in  18G9,  by  Dr.  Bell,  has  long  been  a  standard  work  in 
Iloma'opalliic  Therapeutics.     We  feel  quite  within  bounds  in  asserting  that  it  has  been  the 
means  imler  our  law,  of  saving  thousands  of  lives.     Than  this  no  greater  commendation 
could  be  penned.     ...     In  this  secon<l  edition,  Dr.  Bell  has  been  assisted  by  Dr.  Laird, 
of  Maine ;  also  by  Drs.  Lippe,  William  P.  Wesselhoeft  and  E.  A.  Farringtrn.     Thirty- 
eight  new  remedies  are  given ;   the  old  text  largely  re-written ;   many  rubrics  added  to 
the   repertory;  a  new  feature,   the 'black  type,'  for  especially  characterisiric  symptoms, 
introduced. 

"This  is  a  typical  homreopathic  work,  which  no  homoeopathic  physician  can  aftbrd  to 
be  witliout.  Tlie  typographical  setting  is  worthy  of  the  book." — From  the  Iloma-opatliic 
Phynici'iu. 

BERJEAU,  J.  PH.  The  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  Syphilis, 
Gonorrhoea,  Spermatorrhoea,  and  Urinary  Diseases.  Revised, 
with  numerous  additions,  bv  J.  H.  P.  Frost,  M.D.  25G  pages.  12mo. 
Cloth,         .        .         .         .  ' $1.50 

"Tliis  work  is  unmistakalily  the  production  of  a  practical  man.  It  is  short,  pithy,  and 
contains  a  vast  (h-al  of  soimd  practical  instrtiction.  The  diseases  are  briefly  descrilied;  the 
directions  for  treatment  are  succinct  and  summary.  It  is  a  book  which  might  with  profit 
be  consulted  liy  all  practitioners  of  licmicEopathy." — North  American  Journal. 


HOMOEOPATnU'   Pl'RLICATIOXS.  6 

BREYFOGLE,  DR.  W.  L.  Epitome  of  Homoeopathic  Medi- 
cines.    38.']  pages, SI. 25 

'\\'u  (^uote  from  the  author's  preface  : 
"  It  has  been  my  aim,  throughout,  to  arrange  in  as  concise  form  as  possible,  the  leading 

symptoms  of  all  well-established  provings.     To  accomplish  this,  I  have  compared  Lippe's 

-Mat,  Med  ;  the  Svmtomen-Codex  ;  Jabr's  Epitome ;  Bi-nninghausen's  Therapeutic  I'ocket- 

l!u..k,  ;md  IIalc's"Ncw  Remedies. 

BRIGHAM,  DR.GERSHAM  N.  Phthisis  Pulmonalis,  or  Tuber- 
cular Consumption.  Fp.  'i'24.  8vo.  Cloth.  Price,  .  .  82.00 
This  interesting  work  on  a  subject  which  has  been  the  "Opprobrium  Med- 
icorum"  for  generations  pa.st,  has  met  witli  a  favorable  reception  at  the  liands 
of  the  profession.  It  is  a  scholarly  work  and  treats  its  subject  from  the  stand- 
point of  piu-e  homoeopathy. 

"Just  now  a  fresh  move  of  interest  in  consumption  is  passing  over  the  world,  and  hence 
we  may  say  Dr.  Brigham's  monograph  comes  apropos;  but  on  the  other  hand  it  comes  too 
early,  as  the  parasitic  nature  of  phthisis  is  uow  the  great  phthisiological  question  which  be- 
littles and  dwarfs  every  other. 

"Our  author's  work  must  be  pronounced  as  decidedly  able,  and  its  principal  defects  are 
those  of  the  subject  itself  in  its  present  state  of  development.  In  our  opinion  the  whole 
question  is  still  involved  in  too  much  doubt  and  difficulty  to  admit  of  its  being  handled  very 
lucidly  at  present.  Dr.  Brigham  tries  very  Irird  to  clear  the  deck  of  all  notions  that  might 
be  in  the  way  of  handling  the  subject  scientilically,  but  he  d/>es  not  quite  succeed  even  in 
defining  clearly  one  single  form  of  plithisis.  Why?  because  in  the  present  state  of  the  sub- 
ject it  is  impossil.le/or  any  man  to  do  so,  and  we  question  whetber  a  much  better  book  on 
phthisis  is  possible  at  present."— From  2%e  Homceopalltic  World,  for  October,  1882. 

BRYANT,  DR.  J.  A  Pocket  Manual,  or  Repertory  of  Homoeo- 
pathic Medicine,  Alphabetically  and  Nosologically  arranged,  which 
may  be  used  as  the  Physicians'  Vade-mecum,  the  Travellers'  Medical  Com- 
])auion,  or  the  Family  Physician,  dintaining  the  Principal  Remedies  for 
the  most  important  Disia.-^es;  Symptoms,  Sensations,  Characteristics  of 
Diseases,  etc. ;  with  the  jirineipal  Pathogenetic  Etfects  of  the  Medicines  on 
tlie  most  important  Organs  and  Functions  of  the  Body,  together  with 
Diagnosis,  Explanaticm  ^f  Technical  Terms,  Directions  for  the  Selection 
and  Exhibition  of  Remedies,  Rules  of  Diet,  etc.  Compiled  from  the  best 
Homceopatliic  authorities.   Third  edition.    352  pages.    18mo.   Cloth,  $1.50 

DR.  BURNETT'S  ESSAYS.  Ecce  Medicus;  Natrum  Muriati- 
cum ;  Gold;  The  Causes  of  Cataract;  Curability  of  Cataract; 
Diseases  of  the  Veins;   Supersalinity  of  the  Blood.     Pp.   296. 

'^vo.     Cloth.     Price, 82.50 

Dr.  I?i:rnett's  essays  were  so  favorably  received  in  this  country,  that  they 
would  undoubtedly  have  commanded  a  very  large  sale,  had  they  not  been  so 
high  in  price.  As  it  was  the  six  essays  would  have  cost  over  five  dollars,  and 
in  order  to  bring  them  within  reach  of  the  many  we  reprinted  them,  by  special 
arrangement  with  the  author,  who  contributed  a  new  essay,  "The  Causes  of 
Caturact,"  not  hitherto  published,  and  a  general  introduction  to  the  volume. 

The  book  is  jtrinted  in  good  style  on  heavy  toned  ])aper  and  well  bound, 
and  we  are  able  to  fiirnish  it  at  le.-=s'tiian  half  tlie  price  of  the  im[)orted  volumes. 
We  feel  sure  that  these  suggestive  and  sprightly  monographs  will  be  highly 
appreciated  by  the  profession  at  large. 

BUTLER,    DR.  JOHN.     A  Text-Book  of  Electro-Therapeutics 

and  Electro-Surgery;  loi:  tiik  Use  of  Stui)i:nt.s  and  Gkneral 
J'KACTITIUNLIIS.  ByJoiiN  HCTl.KU,  M.D.,  L.R.C.P.E.,  L.K.C.S.I ,  ctc, 
etc.     Second  edition,  revised  and  enlarged.     350  pages.     8vo.    Cloth,  S3.00 


4  F.    E.    EOEEICKES 

"  Among  the  many  works  extant  on  Medical  Electricity,  we  have  seen  nothina:  that 
comes  so  near  '  filling  the  bill'  as  tliis.  The  book  is  sufficiently  comprehensive  for  the  stu- 
dent or  the  practitioner.  The  fact  tliat  it  is  written  by  an  enthusiastic  and  very  intelligent 
homceopathist,  gives  to  it  additional  value.  It  places  electricity  on  the  same  basis  as  other 
drugs,  and  points  out  by  specific  syniptums  when  the  agent  is  indicated.  The  use  of  elec- 
tricity is  therefore  clearly  no  longer  an  exctption  to  the  law  of  similia,  but  acts  curatively 
only  w^hen  used  in  accordance  with  that  law.  \Ve  are  not  left  to  conjecture  and  doubt,  but 
can  clearly  see  the  specific  indications  of  the  agent,  in  the  disease  we  have  under  observa- 
tion. The  author  has  done  the  profession  an  invaluable  service  in  thus  making  plain  the 
pathogenesis  of  this  wonderful  agent.  The  reader  will  find  no  difficulty  in  following  both 
the  pathology  and  treatment  of  the  cases  described.  Klectricity  is  not  held  up  as  the  cure- 
all  of  disease,  but  is  shown  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  and  valuable  of  remedial  agents, 
when  used  in  an  intelligent  manner.  We  have  seen  no  work  which  we  can  so  heartily 
recommend  as  this." — Cincinnati  Medical  Advance. 

BUTLER,   DR.  JOHN.     Electricity  in   Surgery.     Pp.  111.     12mo. 

Cloth.     Price $1.00 

This  interesting  little  volume  treats  on  the  application  of  Electricity  to 
Surgery.  The  following  are  some  of  the  subjects  treated  of:  Enlargement  of 
THE  Prostate;  Stricture;  Ovarian  Cysts;  Aneurism;  Naevus;  Tumors; 
Ulcers;  Hip  Dise.\se;  Sprains;  Burns;  Galvano-Cautery ;  H^emor- 
EHOiDS ;  Fistula  ;  Prolapsus  of  Rectum  ;  Hernia,  etc.,  etc.  The  direc- 
tions given  under  each  operation  are  most  explicit  and  will  be  heartily  welcomed 
by  the  practitioner. 

DUNHAM,  CARROLL,  A.M.,  M.D.  Homoeopathy  the  Science 
of  Therapeutics.  A  collection  of  papers  elucidating  and  illustrating 
the  ])riuciplcs  of  liomcuopathy.     529  pages.     8vo.     Cloth,  .         .         $3.00 

Half  morocco, $4.00 

"More  than  one-half  of  this  volume  is  devoted  to  a  careful  analysis  of  various  drug- 
provings.  It  teaches  us  Materia  Medica  after  a  new  fashion,  so  that  a  fool  can  undei-stand, 
not  only  the  full  measure  of  usefulness,  but  also  the  limitations  which  surround  the  drug. 
.  .  We  ought  to  give  an  illustration  of  his  method  of  analysis,  but  space  forbids.  We 
not  only  urge  tlie  thoughtful  and  studious  to  obtain  tlie  book",  which  they  will  esteem  as 
second  only  to  the  Organon  in  its  philosophy  and  learning." — The  American  Homceopathist. 

DUNHAM,     CARROLL,     A.M.,     M.D.       Lectures    on    Materia 

Medica.     858  paire-s.     8vo.     Cloth, .S5.0() 

Half  morocco,   .    " '        .         86.00 

"  Vol.  I.  is  adorned  with  a  most  perfect  likeness  of  Dr.  Dunham,  upon  which  stranger 
and  friend  will  gaze  with  pleasure.  To  one  skilled  in  the  science  of  physiognomy  there 
will  be  seen  the  unmistakable  impress  of  the  great  soul  that  looked  so  long  and  steadfastly 
out  of  its  fair  windows.  But  our  readers  will  lie  chiefly  con.erncd  with  the  contents  of 
these  two  books.  They  are  even  better  than  their  cnjlHili>liiinnis.  They  are  chielly  such 
lectures  on  Materia  Medica  as  Dr.  Dunham  alone  kiu-w  lu,iv  lo  \\  rite.  They  are  preceded 
quite  naturally  by  introductory  lectures,  which  be  >\:is  acenstciniecl  to  deliver  to  his  classes 
on  general  ibcrapcntics,  on  rules  which  should  gui.lc  ns  in  stiidving  ilnisis,  and  un  the 
therapenlic  law.  \\  the  close  of  Vol.  II.  we  have  several  ipajiers  .'.f  i;ri'at  inleiesi.  I.ut  the 
mo-st  iiM|iiTlanl  fact  iif  all  is  that  we  havS  over  fittv  i>(  unr  leailinu:  reiiieilies  luc^eiiU  I  in  a 
raethdil  wbirh  bebiu'^cd  peculiarly  to  the  author,  as  one  of  the  ini.st  sueecssfiil  teaehn.s  our 
school  has  yet  produced.  .  .  .  Blessed  will  be  the  library  they  adorn,  and  the  wise 
man  or  woman  into  whose  mind  their  light  shall  shine." — Cincinnati  Medical  Advaiiee. 

EDMONDS  on  Diseases  Peculiar  to  Infants  and  Children.     By 

AV.  A.  ICuMONDs,  M.D.,  Professor  of  Pajdology  in  the  St.  Louis  Homoeo- 
pathic College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.     1881.     Pp.  300. 

8vo.    Chith $2.50 

This  work  meets  with  rapid  sales,  and  was  accorded  a  flattering  reception 

by  the  homoeojiathic  press. 

"  This  is  a  good,  sound  book,  by  an  evidently  competent  man.    The  preface  is  as  manly 

as  it  is  unusual,  and  engages  <me  to  go  on  and  re"a<l  the  entire  work.     In  the  chapter  on  the 


HOMCEOPATHIC    PUBLICATIONS.  S 

examination  of  sick  children  we  read  that  'no  physician  will  ever  liave  full  and  comfort- 
alile  success  as  a  psedologist  who  has  a  brusque,  reticent,  undemonstrative  manner.  It  is 
indispensable  that  a  physician  having  children  in  charge  should  convince  them  by  his 
manner  that  he  likes  them,  and  sympathizes  with  them  in  their  whims,  foibles  and  peculi- 
arities. Their  intuitions  as  to  whom  they  ougiit  to  like  and  ought  not  to  like  are  marked 
and  wonderfully  accurate  at  a  very  tender  age.'     The  physician  who  writes  thus  is  a  born^ 

pa;dologist,  and  most  assuredly  a  very  succes-sful  practitioner 

"Alter  the  examination  of  children  has  been  dwelt  upon,  our  author  proceeds  to  dis- 
cuss of  the  hygiene  of  children  in  a  very  able  and  sensible  manner.  He  then  discourses 
upon  tlie  various  diseases  of  ciiildren  in  an  easy  and  yet  didactic  manner,  and  any  one  can 
Koou  discover  that  he  knows  whereof  he  writes." — From  the  Homceopathic  World. 

EGGERT,  DR.  W.  The  Homceopathic  Therapeutics  of  Uterine 
and  Vaginal  Discharges.  54:>  ])ages.  8v(i.  Half  morocco,  $3.50 
The  author  here  brought  together  iu  an  admirable  aud  comprehensive 
arrangement  everything  iiublished  to  date  on  the  subject  in  the  whole  homceo- 
pathic literature,  besides  embodying  his  own  abundant  personal  experience, 
riie  contents,  divided  into  eight  parts,  are  arranged  as  follows : — Pakt  1. 
Treats  of  Memtriuitlon  and  I)i/smeiiorrhcea.  Part  II.  Menorrhagia.  Part 
III.  Amenorrlma.  Part  IV.  Abortion  and  Miscarriage.  Part  V.  Metror- 
rJuigia.  Part  VI.  Fluor  albus.  Part  VII.  Lochia,  and  Part  VIII.  General 
Concomitants.  No  work  as  complete  as  this,  on  the  subject,  was  ever  before 
attempted,  and  we  feel  assured  that  it  will  meet  with  great  favor  by  the  profes- 
sion. 

GUERNSEY,  DR.  H.  N.  The  Application  of  the  Principles  and 
Practice  of  Homoeopathy  to  Obstetrics  and  the  Disorders  Pe- 
culiar to  Women  and  Young  Children.  By  Henry  N.  Guernsey, 
SI.D.,  Professor  of  Obstetrics  aud  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children  in  the 
Homceopathic  Medical  College  of  Pennsylvania,  etc.,  etc.  With  numerous 
Illustrations.     Third  edition,  revised,  enlarged,  and  greatly  improved.     Pp. 

1004.     8vo.     Half  morocco, $8.00 

In  1869  this  sterling  work  was  first  published,  and  was  at  onpe  adopted  as 
a  te.Kt-book  at  all  liomoeopathic  colleges.  In  1873  a  second  edition,  considerably 
enlarged,  was  issued;  iu  1878  a  third  edition  was  rendered  necessary.  The 
wealth  of  indications  for  the  remedies  used  in  the  treatment,  tersely  and  suc- 
cinctly expressed,  giving  the  gist  of  the  author's  immen.<e  experience  at  the  bed- 
side, forms  a  prominent  and  well  appreciated  feature  of  the  volume. 

"Tliis  standard  work  is  a  credit  to  the  anthiir  anil  publishers.  *****  The 
instructions  in  the  manual  and  mechanical  lucau.s  employed  liy  the  accoucheur  are  fully  up 
to  the  latest  reliable  ideas,  while  the  stand  that  is  taken  that  till  derangements  incidental  to 
gestation,  parturition  and  post  partum  are  not  purely  mechanical,  but  will  in  the  majority 
of  ctises,  if  not  all,  succumb  to  the  action  of  the  properly  selected  homceopathic  remedy, 
shows  that  Prof.  Guernsey  has  hot  fallen  into  the  rut  ofmethodical  ideas  and  treatment. 

The  appendix  contains  additional  suggestions  in  the  treatment 

of  suspended  animation  of  newly-born  children,  hysteria,  ovarian  tumors,  sterility,  etc., 
sug<,'estions  as  to  diet  during  sickness  of  any  kind,  etc.,  etc.  After  the  index  is  a  glossary,  a 
u-eful  appendix  in  itself.  Every  practitioner  should  have  a  copy  of  this  excellent  work, 
even  if  be  has  two  or  three  copies  of  old  school  text-books  on  oljstetrics  and  diseases  of 
women." — From  the  Cincinnati  Medical  Advance. 

GUERNSEY,  DR.  E.  Homoeopathic  Domestic  Practice.  With 
full  Descriptions  of  the  Dose  to  each  single  Case.  Containing  also  Chap- 
ters on  Anatomy,  Physiology,  Hygiene,  and  abridged  Materia  Medica. 
Tenth  enlarged,  revised,  and  improved  edition.     Pp.  053.     Half  leather, 

S2.50 

HAGEN,  DR.  R.  A  Guide  to  the  Clinical  Examination  of  Patients 
and  the  Diagnosis  of  Disease.     By  Kkiiard  Hauen,  M.D.,  Privat 


b  F.    E.   BOERICKES 

docent  to  the  University  of  Leipzig.     Translated  from  the  second  revised 
aud  enlarged  edition,  by  G.  E.  Gkamji,  jNI.D.     Pp.  223.     12mo.     Cloth, 

$1.25 
"  This  is  the  most  perfect  guide  in  the  examination  of  patients  tliat  we  have  ever  seen. 
The  author  designs  it  only  for  the  use  of  students  of  medicine  before  attending  clinics,  but 
we  have  looked  it  carefully  through,  and  do  not  know  of  223  pages  of  printed  matter  any- 
where of  more  importance  to  a  physician  in  his  daily  bedside  examinations.  It  is  simply 
invaluable." — From  the  Si.  Louis  Clinical  Review. 

HAHNEMANN,  DR.  S.  Organon  of  the  Art  of  Healing.  By  Sam- 
uel Hahne-MANx,  JI.D.  Aude  Sapere.  Fifth  American  edition.  Trans- 
lated from  the  fifth  German  edition,  by  C.  Wesselhoeft,  M.D.     Pp.  244. 

8vo.     Cloth, $1.75 

"To  insure  a  correct  rendition  of  the  text  of  the  author,  they  (the  publishers)  selected 
as  his  translator  Dr.  Conrad  Wesselhoeft,  of  Boston,  an  educated  physician  in  every  respect, 
and  from  his  youth  up  perfectly  familiar  with  the  English  and  German  languages,  than 
whom  no  better  selection  could  have  been  made."  "That  he  has  made,  as  he  himself 
i.  .  1;  II  -,  'till  iiuiivly  new  and  independent  translation  of  the  whole  work,'  a  careful  com- 
I  ii'  ii  'A'  tlic  v:iii.iu>  |j:ii:i-ia|>hs.  notes,  etc.,  with  those  contained  in  previous  editions, 
.1  ^  iliiinilaiii  ivi.liiirc;  aii.l  wliile  he  has,  SO  far  as  possible,  adhered  strictly  to  the  letter 
a  I  laliinniann'N  text,  lie  lia>  at  tlie  same  time  given  a  pleasantly  flowing  rendition  that 
avoids  the  harslmcss  of  a  strictly  literal  translation." — Hahnemaimiun  Monthly. 

HAHNEMANN,  DR.  S.  The  Lesser  Writings  of.  Collected  and 
Translated  by  R.  E.  Dudgeox,  ]\I.D.  With  a  Preface  aud  Notes  by  E. 
AIarcy,  M.D.  With  a  Steel  Engraving  of  Hahnemann  from  the  statue 
of  Steinhauser.     Pp.  784.     Half  morocco,  ....        $3.00 

This  valuable  work  contains  a  large  number  of  Essays  of  great  interest  to 
laj'men  as  well  as  medical  men,  upon  Diet,  the  Prevention  of  Diseases,  Venti- 
lation of  Dwellings,  etc.  As  many  of  these  papers  were  written  before  the  dis- 
covery of  the  homa?opathic  theory  of  cure,  the  reader  will  be  enabled  to  peruse 
in  this  volume  the  ideas  of  a  gigantic  intellect  when  directed  to  subjects  of  gen- 
eral and  practical  interest. 

HALE,  DR.  E.  M.    Lectures  on  Diseases  of  the  Heart.     In  three 
parts.     Part.  I.  Functional  Disorders  of  the  Heart.     Part  II.  Inflamma- 
tory Affections  of  the  Heart.     Part  III.  Organic  Diseases  of  the  Heart. 
Second  enlarged  edition.     Pp.  248.     Cloth,         .         .        .         .         SI. 75 
"  After  giving  a  thorough  overhauling  to  the  lectures  of  Dr.  Hale,  with  the  full  inten- 
tion of  a  close  criticism,  I  acknowledge  myself  conquered.     True  there  are  text  books  on 
the  same  subject  of  thrice  the  number  of  pages— more  voluminous,  6!(<  not  so  concise;  and 
in  this  very  conciseness  lies  the  merit  of  the  work.     Students  will  find  there  everything 
they  need  at  the  bedside  of  their  patients.     It  fills  just  a  want  long  felt  by  the  profession, 
and  we  can  only  congratulate  Dr.  Hale  to  have  found  in  Messrs.  Boericke  &  Tafel,  pub- 
lishers wlio  have  done  their  work  equally  well." — North  American  Journal  of  Homceoputhy. 

HALE,  DR.  E.  M.  Materia  Medica  and  Special  Therapeutics  of 
the  New  Remedies.  By  Edwin  U.  Hale,  M.D.,  Professor  of  IMateria 
Medica  and  Therapeutics  of  the  New  Remedies  in  Hahnemann  IVIcdical 
CVillege,  Chicago,  etc.,  etc.  Fifth  edition,  revised  and  enlarged.  In  two 
volumes — Vol.  I.  Special  Symptomatology.  With  new  Botanical  and 
I'harmacological  Notes.  Pp".  770.  1882.  Cloth,  .  .  .  $5.00 
Half  morocco,    ..........        $6.00 

"Dr  Hale's  work  on  .Viif  lifmedirs,  is  one  both  well  known  and  much  appreciated  on 
this  side  of  tlio  Atlantic.  V.-v  minv  im  ,11,  In,  ,  el'  ,  >  iisldcrable  value  we  are  indebted  to 
his  researches.  In  ihi-  |ii>  i  liii  i,,  iIm  -,!i,|,i.  n-  | mdiiced  by  the  drug  investigated, 
and  those  wliich  tlicy  Ira-, ,  ,,;,,;(,,  ,;,  ,  |  la  rated  from  the  clinical  observa- 
tions, by  which  the  foriiur  li,i\,    linii  I lliiiKjd,      riiai  this  volume  contains  a  very  large 


HOMCEOPATIIIO    rUBLICATIOXS.  / 

amount  of  invaluable  information  is  iucontestaMe,  ami  that  every  effort  liiis  liceii  made  to 
secure  both  fulness  of  detail  and  accuracy  of  statement,  is  apparent  liiniii.;h..ut.  l-'or  these 
reasons  we  can  cimfidently  commend  Dr.  Hale's  fourfli  edition  of  hi^  \miI  kui.wn  Avork()n 
the  iVtiD  Remedies  to  our  homoeopathic  colleagues." — From  the  Montldij  lljnDropaituc  Review. 

HALE,  DR.  E.  M.  Materia  Medica  and  Special  Therapeutics  of 
the  New  Remedies.  By  Edwix  M.  Hale,  M.D.  Liitc  rroiessor  of 
jMateria  Meilica  and  Therapeutics  of  the  New  Keraedie.s  in  Hahnemann 
Medical  College,  Chicago;  Professor  of  Materia  Midicu  in  the  Chicago 
Homueopathic  College,  etc.  Fifth  edition,  revised  and  enlarged  (thirty- 
seven  new  remedies),  in  two  volumes.  Vol.  II.  Special  Therapeutics. 
With  illustrative  cases.  Pp.901.  8vo.  Cloth,  .  .  .  $5.00 
Half  morocco, S6.00 

"Hale's  Ni-u-  Rcmedie.'!  h  one  of  the  lew  works  whirli  .-, ,  |  !  ;-i  In.  no  matter  how 
poor  ho  iiiav  lie,  ounht  to  own.  Manv  other  books  are  \  in  i  i  '  .  i:  i  .  and  very  desir- 
able, but  this  is  inai-ipensable.  This  volume  bellire  u.s  i-  h  i  s.  :~;H/eimcn  of  the 
printers' and  binder.-'  art,  and  eiiually  enjoyable  tt  lien  we  .nii-iu.r  n-  .  iiieuts,  which  are 
not  only  thorou.^bly  seientilie,  but  al.so  as  inieresiiu-  a-  a  novel.  Tbirly-seven  new  drugs 
are  added  in  this  eiliiioii,  besides  niuueiMus  additions  to  the  eflects  of  drugs,  previously  dis- 
cussed. *  *  ■  We  must  say  and  reiterate  if  necessary,  that  Dr.  Hale  has  hit  the 
nail  on  the  he;id  in  liis  plan  for  presenting  the  new  remedies.  It  does  well  enough  to  tabu- 
late and  catalogue,  for  reierence  in  looking  up  eases,  barren  lists  of  symptoms,  but  for  real 
enjoyable  study,  for  the  means  of  clinching  our  information  and  making  it  stand  by  us,  give 
us'  volumes  planned  and  executed  like  that  now  under  consideration." — From  the  New  Eng- 
land Medical  Gazette. 

HALE,  DR.  E.  M.  Medical  and  Surgical  Treatment  of  the  Dis- 
eases of  Women,  especially  those  causing  .Sterility.      Second  edition. 

Pp.  378.    8vo.     Cloth $2.50 

"This  work  is  the  outcome  of  a  quarter  of  a  century  of  practical  gynaecological  experi- 
ence, and  on  every  page  we  are  struck  with  its  realness.  It  is  one  of  those  books  that  will  be 
kept  on  a  low  shelf  in  the  libraries  of  its  possessors,  so  that  it  may  be  found  readily  at  hand 
in  case  of  need.  It  is  a  work  that  soon  will  be  well-thumbed  by  the  busy  practitioner  who 
owns  it,  because  in  many  a  difficult  obstetric  case  he  will  pace  his  study,  tug  at  the  favorite 
button  a  little  nervously,  and  suddenly  pause  and  e.xclaim,  'Let  us  see  what  Hale  says 
about  it!'  an  1  in  seeing  what  Hale  does  say  about  it  he  will  feel  strengthened  and  com- 
forted, as  one  does  after  a  consultation  with  a  hdlfreicher  colleague  in  a  difficult  or  dangerous 
case,  in  which  the  enormous  responsibility  had  threatened  to  crush  one. 

"Ill  uiane  olistinate  uterine  eases  we  shall  reach  this  book  down  to  read  again  and 
again  wb.a  iliis  ciinical  genius  has  t  .  say  on  the  subject.  'We  have  never  seen  Professor 
Hale  in  tlie  I'le-h,  but  we  liave  hail  seores  of  consultations  with  him  in  the  pages  of  his 
Neii:  Rinr.hrx,  and  he  lias  th'is  leelessly  helped  us  cure  many  an  obstinate  case  of  disease. 

"  When  we  get  a  good  book  we  mentally  shake  hands  with  the  author,  and  think  grate- 
fully of  him  for  giving  us  of  his  great  riches.  This  is  a  good  book,  and  thus  we  act  and 
feel' towards  its  gifted  author,  Professor  Hale.'  — Frum  the  Homoeopatliic  World,  London. 

HART,   DR.  C.  P.      Diseases  of  the    Nervous   System.     Being  a 
Treatise}  on  Spasmodic,  Paralytic,  Neuralgic  anil  Mental  Affections.     For 
the  use  of  Students  and  Practitioners  of  Medicine.     By  Chas.  Porter 
Hart,  M.D.,  Honorary  Member  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons of  Jlichigan,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.     Pp.  409.     8vo.    Cloth,  .        S3.00 
"Tlii-i  work  s'ljiplies  a  need  keenly  felt  in  our  school — a  work  which  will  be  useful 
alike  1  ■  ili.     >  m  i  il  iiactitioner  and  specialist;  containing,  as  it  does,  not  only  a  c(mdensed 
compil  It  in    ii  lii    \  lows  of  the  Ijest  authorities  on  the  subject  treated,  but  also  the  author's 
own  cliiii  al  eN|ierieuie;  to  which  is  appended  the  appropriate  homoeopathic  treatment  of 
each  disease.     It  is  written  in  an  easy,  flowing  style,  at  the  same  time  there  is  no  wa-ste  of 
words.     *****    We  consider  the  work  a  highly  valuable  one,  bearing  the  evidence 
of  hard  work,  considerable  research  and  experience." — Medico-Chirurgicnl  Quarterly. 

"  We  feel  proud  that  in  Hart's  '  Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System '  we  have  a  work  up 


O  F.    E.    BOERICKES 

to  date,  a  work  which  we  need  not  feel  ashamed  to  put  in  the  liands  of  ilie  neurologist  or 
alienist  for  critical  examination,  a  work  for  which  we  predict  a  rapid  sale." — North  Ameri- 
can Journal  vf  Homoiopathy. 

HELMUTH,  DR.  W.  T.  A  System  of  Surgery.  Illustrated  with 
oB.S    ]<;ngniviugs  on   Wood.      By   Wm.   Tod   Helmuth,  M.D.     Third 

editi..ii.     Pp.  lUOO.     Sheep, _     .         .         $8.50 

This  standard  work,  for  many  years  used  as  a  text-book  in  all  homoeopathic 
colleges,  still  maintains  its  rank  as  the  best  work  ever  brought  out  by  our  school 
on  the  subject.  Ever  since  it  was  issued  the  necessity,  for  the  student  or  j)rac- 
titioner,  to  invest  in  allopathic  works  on  the  subject  ceased  to  exist.  It  is  up  to 
date,  and  abounds  in  valuable  liints,  for  it  gives  the  results  of  the  author's  ripe 
.and  extensive  experience  with  homoeopathic  medication  in  connection  with  sur- 
gical operations.     In  elegance  of  diction  our  author  has  never  been  approached. 

.  .  .  .  "  We  have  in  this  work  a  condensed  compendium  of  almost  all  that  is 
known  in  practical  surgery,  written  in  a  terse,  forcible,  though  pleasing  style,  the  author 
evidently  having  the  rare  gift  of  saying  a  great  deal  in  a  few  words,  and  of  saying  these  few 
words  in  a  graccl'iil.  c:i^y  manner.  Almost  every  subject  is  illustrated  with  cases  from  the 
doctor's  own  pnirti-  >■ ;  n.n-  lias  lie  neglected  to  put  before  us  the  great  advantage  of  homce- 
opathic  treatriKiit  in  -uuiral  diseases.  The  work  is  in  every  respect  up  to  the  require- 
ments of  the  times 

"Taken  aUoj.ali.  r,  ui-  liave  no  book  in  our  literature  that  we  are  more  proud  of. 

"One  word  <:l  iiiaiiinii  iatimi  to  the  publishers  is  naturally  drawn  from  us  as  we  com- 
pare this  handsoiii.-.  d.  irly-i.rinted,  neatly-bound  volume  with  the  last  edition.  The  dif- 
ference is  so  pali^iMc'  that  ihcie  is  no  necessity  of  making  further  comparisons." — Homoeo- 
pathic Ttme^. 

HELMUTH,    DR.    W.    T.     Supra-Pubic   Lithotomy.      The    High 

Opt'ratiiju  for  Stone  —  Epic3'Stotomy  —  Hypogastric'  Litliotomy — ^"The 
Hiiih  A]iparatus."  By  Wm.  Tod  Helmuth,  M.D.,  Professor  of  Surgery 
in  tlie  X.  Y.  ILim.  Med.  College;  Surgeon  to  the  Hahnemann  Hospital 
and  ti)  Wards  Island  Homoeopathic  Hospital,  N.  Y.      98  quarto  pp.     8 

lithographic  plates.     Cloth.     Price, $4.00 

A  superb  quarto  edition,  with  lithographic  plates,  printed  in  five  colors, 
and  illustrated  by  charts  and  numerous  woud-cuts. 

HEINIGKE,  DR.  CARL.  Pathogenetic  Outlines  of  Homoeo- 
pathic Drugs.  By  Dr.  Carl  Heinigke,  of  Leipzig.  Translated  from 
the  German  by  Emil  Tietze,  M.D.,  of  Philadelphia.     Pp.  576.     8vo. 

Cloth, $3.50 

"  Tlie  reader  of  tliis  work  will  gain  more  practical  knowledge  of  a  given  drug  from  its 

pages  in  tlic  same  sj of  time  than  from  any  other  book  on  the  same  subject. 

■'The  ptiblMi.  r     [lit  "I  the  work  has  been  e.xec  ted  with  the  usual  elegance,  neatness 

and  duraliiiity  \.  'li   ii     'i    i a  n  li/cs  all  their  publications  which  we  have  seen. 

"To  the   lai   h    ,    n  a  iih^   portion  of  our  colleagues,  this  book  will  be  a  boon  to  be 

appreciated,  in  |iio|ioiiioii  ili;it  it  is  consulted,  and  will  save  them  many  weary  reseiirchcs 

when  in  dmilit  of  the  true  homoeopathic  remedy." — American  HomceojMth. 

HEMPEL,  DR.  C.  J.,  and  DR.  J.  BEAKLEY.  Homoeopathic 
Theory  and  Practice.  With  the  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  Surgical 
Diseases.  Dt'.signed  for  Students  and  Practitioners  of  Medicine,  and  as  a 
Guide  for  an  intelligent  public  generally.    Fourth  edition.   Pp.1100.     $3.00 

HERING,  DR.   CONSTANTINE.     Condensed  Materia  Medica. 

Si'cond  eililioii,  mons  (aindensed,  Uevised,  Enlarged  and  Improved.  X06 
large  Svo.     Half  morocco,        ......         $7.00 

["his,  the  most  complete  work  issued  from  the  pen  of  the  late  illustrious 
author,  has  a  very  large  sale,  having  been  adopted  from  its  first  appearance  as 
Text-book  in  all  Homoeopathic  Colleges  in  the  United  States.  • 


This 


HOMCEOPATUIC   PUBLICATIONS.  i) 

" This  work,  the  author  tells  us,  is  made  up  from  the  manuseript  iircpareil  for  the 
' Guiding  Symptoms,'  and  is  intended  to  '/tvu  tlic  stuikiil  an  idea  of  tlic  main  katures  of 
each  drug  in  as  narrow  a  compass  as  possible.  It  is,  in  I;mI,  ihe  '(iuidinu:  Syinptiiiiis'  boiled 
down.  It  lias  therefore  a  value  of  its  own  in  enal^liuL;  the  student  cu-  ]ira.iitii)inr  to  see 
quiikly  the  ehief  symptoms  of  eaeli  iiieili'ine.  Its  name  indicates  ii-  nmui,  .  .i.ily,  the 
enn.lrii>:iti.in   being  more  valuable  Iroin  tin-   liamls  of  Dr.  Herinu  tl.     i    '•'■    i    i  from 

(ithiTs  i.i' smaller  experience.     Tu  tli.ise  who  wish  to  have  such  an       i    .  Maieri.t 

Mi'iliea  besiile  them,  we  can  reconunend  it.' — MuiUldy  Uomceopatliu-  luri.r  hi  ~i  jiLniber, 
ISSU. 

"  The  favor  with  which  this  work  has  been  received,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  it  has 
been  adopted  as  a  text-hook  in  all  the  homa?opathic  medical  colleges,  attests  most  Uilly  its 
value.  Embracing  the  rich  experience  and  the  extensive  learning  of  the  author,  its  authoi'- 
ity  is  unquestioned.  The  relationship  of  the  drugs  is  peculiarly  valuable,  and  can  be  found 
nowhere  else  outside  of  Boenninghausen.  The  schema  is  according  to  Hahnemann,  simi-_ 
larity  in  symptoms  being  clearly  indicated.  Hering's  Materia  Medica  has  now  become  the 
leading  work  of  its  kind  in  our  school.  Its  broad  pages  lie  invitingly  before  you.  You 
read  over  the  symptomatology  of  each  drug  with  the  consciousness  that  each  and  every  line 
has  been  well  eon.sidered  before  incorporation,  and  that  ifis  a  storehouse  of  wealth  from 
which  every  worker  can  draw  his  supplies.  The  appearance  of  the  work  reflects  credit 
upon  the  publishers,  who  have  already  gained  their  reputation  as  book  publishers  of  the 
first  rank." — Homceopathic  Newi. 

HERING,  DR.  CONSTANTINE.     Domestic  Physician.     Seventh 

American  EiJitiou.     464  Pp $2.50 

The  present  editor,  Claude  R.  Norton,  M.D.,  a  former  assistant  of  Dr. 
Hering,  undertook,  at  his  desire,  the  task  of  superintending  the  publication  of 
the  work.  Some  additions  to  the  text  have  been  made,  a  few  remedies  intro- 
duced, and,  at  times,  slight  alterations  in  the  arrangement  effected,  but  the  well- 
known  views  of  the  author  have  been  respected  in  whatever  has  been  done ;  but 
for  unavoidable  reasons,  the  issue  of  the  jiresent  edition  has  been  delaj'ed  until 
tliis  time. 

HOMCEOPATHIC  POULTRY  PHYSICIAN  (Poultry  Veteri- 
narian )  ;  or,  Plain  Directions  for  the  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  the 
most  Common  Ailments  of  Fowls,  Ducks,  Geese,  Turkeys,  and  Pigeons, 
based  on  the  author's  large  experience,  and  compiled  from  the  most  reliable 
sources,  by  Dr.  Fr.  Schroter.     Translated  from  the  German.     84  pages. 

12mo.     Cloth, $0.50 

AVe  imported  hundreds  of  copies  of  this  work  in  the  original  German  for 
our  customers,  and  as  it  gave  good  satisfaction,  we  thought  it  advisable  to  give 
it  an  English  dress,  so  as  to  make  it  available  to  the  public  generally.  The 
little  work  sells  very  fast,  and  our  readers  will  doubtless  often  have  an  oppor- 
tunity to  draw  the  attention  of  ,t|lieir  patrons  to  it. 

HOMCEOPATHIC  COOKERY.  Second  edition.  With  additions  by  a 
Lady  of  an  American  Homeopathic  Physician.  Designed  chiefly  for  the 
Use  of  such  PersoiLs  as  are  under  Homoeopathic  Treatment.  176  pages.  $0.50 

HULL'S   JAHR.     A    New    Manual   of    Homoeopathic    Practice. 

Edited,  with  Annotations  and  Additions,  by  F.  G.  Snelling,  M.D.    Sixth 
American  edition.     With  an  Appendix  of  the  New  Remedies,  by  C.  J. 

Hemim:i.,  M.D.     2  vols.     2076  pages, $9.00 

This  first  volume,  containing  the  symptomatology,  gives  the  complete 
pathogenesis  of  two  hundred  and  eighty -seven  remedies,  besides  a  large  number 
of  new  remedies  added  by  Dr.  Hempel,  in  the  appendix.  The  second  volume 
contains  an  admirably  arranged  Repertory.  Each  chapter  is  accompanied  by 
copious  clinical  remarks  and  the  concomitant  symptoms  of  the  chief  remedies 
for  the  malady  treated  of,  thus  imparting  a  mass  of  information,  rendering  the 
work  indispensable  to  every  student  and  practitioner  of  medicine. 


10  F.    E.    BOERUKES 

JAHR,  DR.  G.  H.  G.  Therapeutic  Guide;  the  most  Important  results 
of  more  than  Forty  Years  Practice.  With  Personal  Observations  regard- 
ing the  truly  reliable  and  ])ractically  verified  Curative  Indications  in  actual 
cases  of  disease.     Translated,  with  Notes  and  New  Remedies,  by  C.  J. 

Hempel,  M.D.     546  pages S3.00 

"With  this  characteristically  long  title,  the  veteran  and  indefatigable  Jahr  gives  us 
another  volume  of  houia'oijatliics.  Besides  the  explanation  of  its  purport  contained  in  the 
title  itself,  the  author's  preface  still  further  sets  forth  its  distinctive  aim.  It  is  intended,  he 
says,  as  a  'guide  to  beginners,  where  I  only  indicate  the  most  iniportant  and  decisive  points 
for  the  selection  of  a  remedy,  and  where  1  do  not  ofler  anything  but  what  my  own  indi- 
vidual experience,  during  a  practice  of  forty  years,  has  enabled  me  to  verify  as  absolutely 
decisive  in  choosing  the  proper  remedy.'  The  reader  will  eas^ily  comprehend  that,  in  carry- 
ing out  this  plan,  I  had  rigidly  to  exclude  all  cases  concerning  which  1  had  no  experience 

of  viy  own  to  ofler We  are  bound  to  say  that  the  book  itself  is  agreeable,  chatty, 

and  full  of  practical  observation.  It  may  be  read  straight  through  with  interest,  and 
referred  to  in  the  treatment  of  particular  cases  with  advantage." — Brilish  Journal  of  Homoe- 
opathy. • 

JAHR,  DR.  G.  H.  G.     The  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  Diseases 

of  Females  and  Infar.ts  at  the  Breast.  Translated  from  the  French 
byC.  J.  llEMfKi.,  xM.I).  422  pages.  Half  leather,  .  .  .  S2.00 
Thi.s  work  deserves  the  most  careful  attention  on  the  part  of  homoeopathic 
practitioners.  The  diseases  to  which  the  female  organism  is  subject  are  de- 
scribed, with  the  most  minute  cniiiMiiuss,  ;iiicl  the  treatment  is  likewise  indicated 
with  a  care  that  would  seem  to  defy  criticism.  Xo  one  can  fail  to  study  this 
work  but  with  profit  and  jjleasure. 

JONES,  DR.  SAMUEL  A.  The  Grounds  of  a  Homoeopaths  Faith. 
Three  Lectures,  delivered  at  the  request  of  Watriculates  of  the  Department 
of  Medicine  and  Surgery  (Old  School)  of  the  University  of  Michigan. 
By  Samuel  A.  Joxes,  M.D.,  Professor  of  IMateria  Medica,  Therapeutics, 
and  Experimental  Pathogenesy  in  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  College  of 
the  University  of  Michigan,  etc.,  etc.     92   Pages.     12mo.     Cloth    (per 

dozen,  83), $0.30 

The  first  Lecture  is  on  The  Laio  of  Similars;  ils  Claim  to  be  a  Scie7iee  in 
that  it  Enables  Fervermoii.  The  second  Lecture,  The  Single  Eeniedy  a  Necessity 
of  Science.  The  third  Lecture,  The  Minimum  Dose  an  Inevitable  Sequence. 
A  fourth  Lecture,  on  The  Dynamization  Theory,  was  to  have  finished  the 
course,  but  was  prevented  by  the  approach  of  final  examinations,  the  prepara- 
tion for  which  left  no  time  for  hearing  evening  lectures.  The  Lectures  are 
issued  in  a  convenient  size  for  the  coat-pocket ;  and  as  an  earnest  testimony  to 
the  truth,  we  believe  they  will  find  their  wav  into  manv  a  homcoopathic  house- 
hold. 

JOHNSON,  DR.  I.  D.  Therapeutic  Key;  or  Practical  Guide  for  the 
Hoino'ojiathic  Treatment  of  Acute  Diseases.     Tenth  edition.     347  pages. 

Bound  ill  linen $1.75 

Bound  in  ficxibi(>  leather  cover,  ......  2.25 

The  same  iixludiii;,'  twelve  insets  properly  lined  and  headed  for  daily  visits, 
$3.25,  or  the  iiisi  Is  s(|iaiately  at  $1  per  set  of  twelve.  Each  inset  will  be  found 
sufficient  for  a  month's  visits  in  ordinary  practice  and  w-ell  supplies  the  usual 
visiting  list,  and  this  without  a  perceptible  increase  in  bulk. 

Tills  has  been  one  of  the  best  selling  works  on  our  shelves ;  more  copies 
being  in  circulation  of  this  than  of  any  two  other  professional  works  put  to- 
gether. It  is  safe  to  say  that  there  are  but  few  homojopathic  practitioners  in 
this  country  but  have  one  or  more  copies  of  this  little  remembrancer  in  their 
possession. 


IIOMtEOPATHIC  PUBLICATIONS.  11 

"  This  is  a  wonderful  little  book,  that  seems  to  contaiu  nearly  everything  pertaining  to 
the  practice  of  pliysic,  and  all  neatly  epitomized,  so  that  the  book  may  be  carried  very  com- 
fortably in  the  pocket,  to  serve  as  a  source  for  a  refresher  in  a  case  of  need. 

"  It  is  a  marvel  to  us  how  the  author  has  contrived  to  put  into  347  pages  such  a  vast 
amount  of  information,  and  all  of  the  very  kind  that  is  needed.  No  wonder  it  is  in  its 
tenth  edition. 

'■  Uif,'lit  in  the  middle  of  the  book,  under  P,  we  find  a  most  useful  little  chapter,  or 
article,  on  '  I'oisonings,'  telling  the  reader  wliat  to  do  in  such  cases, — Homaeo})atlnc  World, 

JOHNSON,  DR.  I.  D.  A  Guide  to  Homoeopathic  Practice.  De- 
signed lor   the   Use   of  Families   auil   Private   Individuals,     494   pages. 

Cloth 82,00 

This  is  the  latest  work  ou  Domestic  Practice  issued,  and  the  well  and  favor- 
ably known  author  has  surpassed  himself  In  this  book  fifty-six  remedies  are 
introduced  for  internal  application,  and  four  for  external  use.  The  work  con- 
sists of  two  parts.  Part  I  is  subdivided  into  seventeen  chapters,  each  being 
devoted  to  a  special  part  of  the  body,  or  to  a  peculiar  class  of  disease.  Part  II 
contains  a  short  and  concise  IMateria  Medica.  The  whole  is  carefully  written 
with  a  view  of  avoiding  technical  terms  as  much  as  possible,  thus  insuring  its 
comprehension  by  any  person  of  ordinary  intelligence. 

"Family  Guides  are  often  of  great  service,  not  only  in  enabling  individuals  to  relieve 
the  trifling  maladies  of  such  frequent  occurrence  in  every  family,  but  in  the  graver  forms 
of  disease,  by  prompt  action  to  prepare  the  way  for  tlie  riper  intelligence  of  the  physician. 

"The  work  under  notice  seems  to  have  been  carefully  prepared  by  an  intelligent  physi- 
cian, and  is  one  of  the  liandsomest  specimens  of  book-making  we  have  seen  from  the  house  of 
Boericke  &  Tafel,  its  publishers." — Homoeopathic  Times. 

LAURIE    and    McCLATCHEY.     The    Homoeopathic   Domestic 
Medicine.    By  Joh;EPii  Laukie,  M.D.,  Ninth  American,  from  the  Twenty- 
first  IjDglish  edition.     Edited  and  revised,  with  numerous  and  important 
additions,  and    the  introduction  of  the  new   remedies.      By  R.  J.  Mc- 
Clatciiey,  JNI.D.     1044  pages.     8vo.    Half  morocco,        .         .        $5.00 
"  We  dn  not  liesitate  to  endorse  the  claims  made  by  the  publishers,  that  this  is  the  most 
complete,  clear,  and  comprehensive  treatise  on  the  domestic  homoeopathic  treatment  of  dis- 
ease extant.     This  handsome  volume  of  nearly  eleven  hundred  pages  is  divided  into  six 
parts.     Part  I  is  introductory,  and  is  almost  faultless.     It  gives  the  most  complete  and 
exact  directions  for  the  maintenance  of  health,  and  of  the  method  of  investigating  the  con- 
dition of  the  sick,  and  of  discriminating  between  diflerent  diseases.     It  is  written  in  the 
most  lucid  style,  and  is  aljove  all  tilings  wonderfully  free  from  technicalities.    Part  II.  treats 
of  symptoms,  cliaracter,  distinctions,  and  treatment  of  general  diseases,  together  with  a 
chapter  on  casualties.     Part  III.  takes  up  diseases  peculiar  to  women.    Part  IV.  is  devoted 
to  the  disorders  of  infancy  and  childhood.     Part  V.  gives  the  characteristic  symptoms  of 
the   mcdiriiKs   referred  to  in  the  body  of  the  work,  while  part  VI.  introduces  the  reper- 
tory."—/A'//ie, „.,»»/„  „  Monthly. 

"Of  ilie  usdulncss  of  this  work  in  cases  where  no  educated  homoeopathic  physician  is 
witliln  reacli,  there  can  be  no  question.  There  is  no  doubt  that  domestic  homoeopathy  has 
done  much  to  make  tlie  science  known;  it  has  also  saved  lives  in  emergencies.  The  i)rac- 
tice  has  never  been  so  well  presented  to  the  public  as  in  this  excellent  volume." — iVtw.  Eny. 
Med.  GazfUe. 

LILIENTHAL,  DR.  S.  Homoeopathic  Therapeutics.  By  R. 
Lii.iEXTiiAE,  M.l).,  Editor  of  Nortii  Anitricau  Journal  of  Homoeopathy, 
Professor  of  Clinical  jNIodicine  and  Psychology  in  the  New  York  Honuv- 
opathic  Medical  College,  and  Professor  of  Theory  and  Practice  in  the  New 
York  College  Hospital  for  Women,  Etc.    Second   edition.     835   pages. 

8vo.     Cloth, So.OO 

Half  morocco,    ..........  6.00 

"  Certainly  no  one  in  our  ranks  is  so  well  qualified  for  this  work  as  he  who  has  done 

it,  and  in  considering  the  work  done,  we  must  have  a  true  conception  of  the  proper  sphere 


12  F.  E.  boericke's 

of  such  a  work.  For  the  fresh  graduate,  this  book  will  be  invaluable,  and  to  all  such  we 
unhesitatini^ly  and  very  earnestly  commend  it.  To  the  older  one,  wlio  says  he  has  no  use' 
for  this  bo(ik,"we  have  nothing  to  say.  He  is  a  good  one  to  avoid  when  well,  and  to  dread 
when  ill.  AVe  also  hope  that  he  is  severely  an  unicum." — Prof.  Samuel  A.  Joues  in  Amet-ican 
Observer. 

"  .  .  .  .  It  is  an  extraordinary  useful  Ijook,  and  those  who  add  it  to  their  library 
will  never  feel  regret,  for  we  are  not  saying  too  much  in  pronouncing  it  the  beM  uork  on. 
therapeiilici  in  homa'oiiathic"  |(ir  aiiv  nlhi-ri  literature.  With  this  under  one  elbow,  and 
l[i'riiit.''s  nr  AlK'u's  Mm,  ii,i  .1/  :    .  <  immI.  i  tin   >  ilur,  tlie  carcl'ul  lidnHcopathic  practitioner 

cm  uliiic   Xiiiiiavir's  I i      i    .k-claic  it  i.llc  lo  liojiu  fnr  a  time  when  a 

iiK-ai<:,l  |,icsrii|,ii,ii,  >1. I        iiaiit  ..f  UiKuvM  (luantitics.'     Doctor,  bv  all 

lllL■a^^  l.iiv  Liliuinbal'.-,  II  ...■:  j.:::.:r  J;!, ,  uy ,.  ,.;.i  „•.  It  contains  a  mine  of  wealth."— ProA 
C7«i.s.  Uuirh.l  InlbUl." 

LUTZE,  DR.  A.  Manual  of  Homoeopathic  Theory  and  Practice. 
Designed  for  the  use  of  Physicians  and  Families.  Translated 
lidiii  the  German,  with  additions  by  C.  J.  Hempel,  M.D.  From  the  six- 
tieth thousand  of  the  German  edition.    750  pp.  8vo.   Half  leather,   $2.50 

MALAN,  H.  Family  Guide  to  the  Administration  of  Homoeo- 
pathic Remedies.     112  pages.     .'i2nio.     Cloth,      .         .         .         .si).;;i_) 

MANUAL  OF  HOMCEOPATHIC  VETERINARY  PRACTICE. 

Designed  for  all  kinds  of  Domestic  Animals  and  Fowls,  prescribing  their 
jiroper  treatment  when  injured  or  diseased,  and  their  particular  care  and 
general  management  in  health.     Second  and  enlarged  edition.     68-1  pages. 

8vo.     Half  morocco, "  .         .        .        $5.00 

"  In  order  to  rightly  estimate  the  value  and  comprehensiveness  of  this  great  work,  the 
reader  should  compare  it,  as  we  have  done,  with  the  best  of  those  already  before  the  public. 
In  .size,  fulness,  and  practical  value  it  is  head  and  shoulders  above  the  very  best  of  them, 
while  in  many  most  important  disorders  it  is  far  superior  to  them  altogether,  containing,  as 
it  does,  recent  forms  of  disease  of  which  they  make  no  mention." — Huhnemannian  Monthly. 

MARSDEN,  DR.  J.  H.     Handbook  of  Practical  Midwifery,  with 

rri.i.  Instiu-ctioxs  for  the  Hojkeopathic-  Tp.eatme>'t  of  the  Dis- 

EASICS  OF    Pr.EGX.\XCY,  AND    THE  AcC'IDEXTS  AND  DlSEASE.S  INCIDENT  TO 

Labor  axd  the  Puerperal  State.  J.  H.  Marsden,  A.M.,  M.D.,  315 
pages.     Cloth $2.25 

"  It  is  seldom  we  have  perused  a  text-book  with  such  entire  satisfaction  as  this.  The 
author  ha.s  certainly  succeeded  in  his  design  of  luinisliiiit;  llie  ^tinleiit  ami  yuimi,'  prac- 
titioner, within  as  narrow  limits  as  possible,  all  ner.--:n  v  in-inn  tnn  in  |n;n  tiral  utiiiwifery. 
The  work  shows  on  every  page  extended  research  anl  lii-i.  ii-li  ju  i.iiral  kiiMwIr.lue.  The 
style  is  clear,  the  array  of  facts  unique,  and  the  deduiii.ins  jmli.  i.ms  ami  piacliral.  We  are 
particularly  pleased  with  his  discussion  of  the  management  of  lalior,  and  the  management 
of  mother  and  child  immediately  after  the  birth,  but  much  is  left  open  tojthe  common 
sense  and  practical  judgment  of  the  attendant  in  peculiar  and  individual  cases." — Uomceo- 
paihic  Timet. 

MORGAN,  DR.  W.  The  Text-book  for  Domestic  Practice;  being 
jihiHi  and  concise  directions  for  the  Administration  of  Honiffiopathic  Medi- 
cines in  Siinjjle  Ailments.  191  pages.  32mo.  Cloth,  .  .  80.50 
This  is  a  concise  and  short  treatise  on  the  most  common  ailments,  printed 

in  convenient  size  for  the  pocket ;  a  veritable  traveler's  companion. 

NORTON,  DR.  GEO.  S.  Ophthalmic  Therapeutics.  By  Geo.  S. 
Xiii:ton,  M.]).,  I'niilssur  nf  (^jihtiialniolugy  in  the  College  of"  the  New 
Yiirk  Ophtlialiiiic  Ilosjiital,  Scni<ir  Surgeon  to  the  New  York  Ophthalmic 
Hospital,  etc.  With  an  introduction  by  Prof.  T.  F.  Allen,  M.D.  Sec- 
ond edition.  Re-written  and  revised,  with  copious  additions.  Pp.  342. 
8vo.     Cloth,       . $2.50 


HOMCEOPATUIC    TUELICATIOXS.  13 

The  second  edition  of  Allen  &  Norton's  Ophthalmic  Therapeutics  has  now 
been  issued  from  the  press.  It  has  been  re-written,  revised  and  considerably  en- 
larged by  Professor  Norton,  and  will,  without  doubt,  bo  as  favorably  received 
as  the  first  edition — out  of  print  since  several  years.  This  work  embodies  the 
clinical  experiences  garnered  at  the  N.  Y.  Ophthalmic  Hospital,  than  which  a 
better  appointed  and  more  carefully  conducted  establishment  docs  not  exist  in 
this  country.  Diseases  of  the  eye  are  steadily  on  the  increase,  and  no  physician 
can  atford  to  do  without  the  practical  experience  as  laid  down  in  the  sterling 
work  under  notice. 

RAUE,  DR.  C.  G.     Special  Pathology  and  Diagnosis,  with  Thera- 
peutic Hints.     Second    edition,    re-written    and   enlarged.      Pp.   1,072. 
Large  8vo.     Half  morocco  or  sheep,  ......         $7.00 

This  second  edition  is  brought  down  to  date,  and,  rendered  in  Dr.  Raue's 
own  pregnant,  terse  style.    These  thousand  pages  will  be  found  to  be  encyclopedic 
as  to  the  comprehensiveness,  and  epitomatic  as  to  the  condensed  form  of  the  in- 
formation imparted. 

"     .     .     .     .     The  first  edition  has  0-44  pajres;  tliia  new  has  1,072,  and  if  Eaub  has 

added  428  pages  it  was  becaiwe  iour  hundred  and  twenty-eight  j)ages  of  aomething  solid  had 

to  find  a  place  in  lliis  universe The  present  edition  is  written  up  to  date,  tersely 

it  is  true,  but  so  far  as  1  liave  read,  in  consonance  with  the  latest  teachings 1 

envy  the  practitioner  who  can  read  this  second  edition  without  learning  something ;  and  I 
would  say  to  the  young  graduate,  in  an  expressive  Western  phrase,  '  Tie  to  it.'  It  hsis 
become  a  platitude  to  compliment  publishers,  but,  really,  Boericke  &  Tafel,  and  the  Globe 
Printing  Huiise,  may  well  be  pnnid  of  this  book." — S.  A.  Junes  in  American  Ubserver. 

REIL,  DR.  A.  ACONITE,  Monograph  on,  its  Therapeutic  and 
Physiological  Effects,  together  with  its  Uses  and  Accurate 
Statements,  derived  from  the  various  Sources  of  Medical  Lit- 
erature.    By  A.  Eeil,  JI.D.     Translated   from  the  German  by   II.  B. 

Millard,  M.D.     Prize  essay.     168  pages $0.60 

"This  Monoc,'raph,  probably  the  best  which  lias  ever  been  published  upon  the  subject, 
has  been  traiislau-d  and  given  to  the  public  in  English,  by  Dr.  Millard,  of  New  York. 
Apart  from  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  work,  which  is  well  known  to  all  medical  German 
scholars,  the  translation  of  it  has  been  completed  in  the  most  thorougli  and  painstaking 
way;  and  all  the  Latin  and  Greek  quotations  have  been  carefully  rendered  into  English. 
The  book  itself  is  a  work  of  great  merit,  thoroughly  exhausting  the  whole  range  of  the 
subject.  To  (jbtain  a  thorough  view  of  the  spirit  of  the  action  of  the  drug,  we  can  recom- 
mend no  better  work." — North  American  Journal. 

RUSH,  DR.  JOHN.  Veterinary  Surgeon.  The  Hand-book  to  Veteri- 
uaiy  Homoeopathy;  or,  the  Homoeopathic  Treatment  of  Horses,  Cattle, 
Blicep,  Dogs  and  Swine.  Fr(jm  the  Loudon  edition.  With  numerous  ad- 
ditions ironi  the  Seventh  German  edition  of  Dr.  F.  E.  Gunther's  "Homoeo- 
j)atliic  Veterinary."  Translated  by  J.  F.  Sheek,  M.D.  150  pages.  18mo. 
Cloth $0.50 

SCHAEFER,  J.  C.  New  Manual  of  Homoeopathic  Veterinary 
Medicine.  An  easy  and  comprehensive  arrangement  of  Diseases,  adapted 
to  the  use  of  every  owner  of  Domestic  Animals,  and  especially  designed 
for  the  farmer  living  out  of  the  reach  of  medical  advice,  and  showing  him 
the  way  of  treating  his  sick  Horses,  Cattle,  Sheep,  Swine  and  Dogs,  in  the 
most  simi)le,  e.xj)editious,  safe  and  cheap  manner.  Translated  from  the 
German,  with  numerous  additions  from  other  veterinary  manuals,  by  C.  J. 
Hemi'el,  iM.D.     321  pages.     8vo.     Cloth $2.00 

SHARP'S  TRACTS  ON  HOMCEOPATHY,  each,        .         .  5 

Per  hundred, $3.00 


14  F.    E.    BOEEICKES 

No.  1.  Wliat  is  IIomcEopathy  ?  Ko.    7.  The  Principles  of  Homoeopathy. 

No.  2.  The  Defence  of  llomu?opathy.  No.    8.  C'lmtroversv  on 

No.  3.  The  Truth  of  "  No.    9.  Kc-niedic-s  of  " 

No.  4.  The  Small  Doses  of     "  No.  10.  Provings  of  " 

No.  5.  The  Difficulties  of        "  No.  11.  Single  Medicines  of        " 

No.  G.  Advantages  of  "  No.  12.  Common  sense  of  " 

DHARP'S  TRACTS,  complete  set  (if  12  numbers,  .  .  .  $0.50 
Buuiul, SU.75 

SMALL,  DR.  A.  E.  Manual  of  Homoeopathic  P.actice,  for  the  use 
of  Families  aud  Private  Individuals.  Fifteenth  enlarged  edition.  8.')1 
pages.     8vo.     Half  leather, §2.50 

Manual  of  Homoeopathic  Practice.     Translated  into  German  by  C. 

J.  IIkmi'el,  M.D.     Eleventh  edition.     043  jjages.     »vo.     Cloth,         $2.50 

STAFF,  DR.   E.    Additions  to  the  Materia  Medica  Pura.     Trans- 
lated by  C.  J.  Hempel,  M.D.     292  pages.     8vq.    Cloth,  .        $1.50 
'This  work  is  an  appendix'  to  Hahnemann's  Materia  Medica  Pura.     Every 
remedy  is  accompanied  with  extensive  and  most  interesting  clinical  remarks, 
and  a  variety  of  cases  illustrative  of  its  therapeutical  uses. 

TESSIER,  DR.  J.  P.  Clinical  Remarks  concerning  the  Homoeo- 
pathic Treatment  of  Pneumonia,  preceded  by  a  Ketrospective  View 
of  the  Allopathic  Materia  Medica,  and  an  E.Kplauation  of  the  Homoeo- 
pathic Law  of  Cure.  Translated  by  C.  J.  Hempel,  M.D.  131  pages. 
<Sv(j.     Cloth, $0.75 

TESTE.     A  Homoeopathic  Treatise  on  the  Diseases  of  Children. 
P>y  Alph.  Teste,  ]\I.D.     Translated  from  the  French  by  Emma  H.  Cute. 
Fourth  edition.     34.J  pages.     12mo.     Cloth,       ....         $1.50 
This  sterling  work  is  by  no  means  a  new  applicant  for  the  favorable  con- 
sideration of  the  profession,  but  is  known  to  the  older  physicians  since  many 
years,  and  would  be  as  well  known  to  the  younger  had  it  not  been  out  of  print 
for  nearly  eight  years.     However,  as  orders  for  the  work  were  persistently  re- 
ceived from  all  quarters,  we  concluded  to  resurrect  the  book  as  it  were,  and 
purchasing  the  plates  from  the  quondam  publishers,  we  re-issued  it  in  a  nmch 
improved  form,  i.  e.,  well  printed  on  excellent  paper.     Dr.  Teste's  work  is 
unique,  in  that  in  most  cases  it  recommends  for  certain  affections  remedies  that 
arc  nut  usually  thought  of  in  connection  therewith;  but,  embodying  the  results 
of  an  immense  practical  experience,  they  rarely  fail   to  accomplish   the  de- 
sired end. 

VERDI,  DR.  T.  S.  Maternity,  a  Popular  Treatise  for  Young 
Wives  and  Mothers.  Bv  Tullio  Buzzaka  Verdi,  A.M.,  M.D.,  of 
Washington,  I  ).C.     450  pages.     12mo.     Cloth,  .        .         .         $2.00 

"No  one  needs  instruction  more  than  a  young  mother,  and  the  directions  given  by  Dr. 
Verdi  in  this  work  are  such  as  I  should  take  great  jilcasure  in  recommending  to  all  the 
young  mothers,  and  some  of  the  old  ones,  in  the  range  of  my  practice."— G'corje  E.  Ship- 
man,  M.D.,  Chicago,  III. 

"Dr.  Verdi's  book  is  replete  with  useful  suggestions  for  wives  and  mothers,  and  his 
medical  instructions  for  home  use  accord  with  the  maxijns  of  my  best  experience  in  jirac- 
tice."— 7oAn  /''.  Gray,  M.D.,  New  York  City. 

Mothers  and  Daughters:  Practical  Studies  for  the  Conservation  of 

the  Health  of  Girls.     By  Tullio  Suzzara  Verdi,  A.M  ,  M.D.     287 
pages.     12mo.    Cloth, $1.50 


nOMfEOP.\TniC   PUBLICATIONS.  15 

'"Tlie  people,  and  especially  the  women,  need  tTilijliteiiiiij  cm  many  points  connected 
with  tlioii-  physical  lit'o,  and  the  time  is  fast  ai)prn:irliiiu  u  h'  n  ii  will  no  longer  he  thought 
singular  or  '  Yankeeish '  that  a  woman  should  he  in~nihi.  I  in  ivjard  to  her  sexuality,  its 

organs  and  their  functions Dr.  Verdi   i>  doin^  a   L;o,.clworlc  in  writing  such 

books,  and  we  trust  he  will  continue  in  the  course  he  has  adopted  of  educating  tlic  mother 
and  daughters.  The  book  is  handsomely  presented,  it  is  printed  in  good  tyjic  c.u  line 
paper,  and  is  neatly  and  substantially  bound." — Hatinemanniaii,  MonllUy. 

VON  TAGEN  Biliary  Calculi,  Perineorrhaphy,  Hospital  Gan- 
grene, and  its  Kindred  Diseases.     154  pages.    Svo.    Cloth,        §1.25 

"  \'on  Tagen  was  an  industrious  worker,  a  dose  obserrer,  an  able  writer.  The  essays 
before  us  bear  the  marks  of  this.  Tlu-y  are  n  littcn  in  an  easy,  flowing,  graceful  style,  and 
are  full  of  valuable  suggestions.  WliiK-  the  essay  on  perineorrhaphy  is  mainly  of  interest 
to  the  surgeon,  the  other  essays  couix  rn  the  ^ciurul  practitioner.  They  are  exhaustive  nnd 
abound  in  good  things.  The  author  is  csjiecially  emphatic  in  recommending  the  use  of 
bromine  in  the  treatment  of  hospital  gangrene,  and  furnishes  striking  clinical  evidence  in 
support  of  his  recommendation. 

"  The  book  forms  a  neat  volume  of  150  pages,  and  is  well  worthy  of  careful  study." — 
Medical  Counselor. 

WILLIAMSON,  DR.  W.  Diseases  of  Females  and  Children, 
and  their  Homoeopathic  Treatment.     Third  enlarged  edition.     256 

pages, 61.00 

This  work  contains  a  short  treatise  on  the  homoeopathic  treatment  of  the 
diseases  of  females  and  children,  the  conduct  to  be  observed  during  pregnancy, 
labor  and  confinement,  and  directions  for  the  management  of  new-born  infants. 

WILSON,  DR.  T.  P.  Special  Indications  for  Twenty-five  Reme- 
dies in  Intermittent  Fever.  Br  T.  P.  Wilson,  M.l).,  Professor  of 
Theory  and  Practice,  Ophthalmic  and  Aural  Surgery,  University  of  Michi- 
gan.    1880.     53  pages.     18mo.     Cloth, $0.40 

This  little  work  gives  the  characteristic  Indications  in  Intermittent  Fever 

of  twenty-tive  of  the  mostly  used  remedies.     It  is  printed  on  heavy  writing 

paper,  and  plenty  of  space  is  given  to  make  additions. 

The  name  of  the  drug  is  printed  on  the  back  of  the  page  containing  the 

symptoms,  in  order  that  the  student  may  the  better  exercise  his  memory. 

WINSLOW,  DR.  W.  H.     The  Human  Ear  and  Its  Diseases.    A 

Practical  Treatise  upon  the  E.xaraiiiation,  Recognition  and  Treatment  of 
Affections  of  the  Ear  and  Associate  Parts,  Prepared  for  the  Instruction  of 
Students  and  the  Guidance  of  Physicians.  By  W.  H.  Winslow,  M.D., 
Ph.D.,  Oculist  and  Aurist  to  the  Pittsburg  Homoeopathic  Hospital,  etc., 
etc.,   with   one  hundred   and   thirtv-eight    illustrations.     Pp.    526.     8vo. 

Cloth.     Price " 84.50 

"It  would  ill-become  a  non-specialist  to  pass  judgment  upon  the  intrinsic  merits  of  Dr. 
Winslow's  book,  but  even  a  general  reader  of  medicine  can  see  in  it  an  author  who  has  a 
firm  grasp  and  an  intelligent  apprehension  of  his  subject.  There  is  about  it  an  air  of  self- 
reliant  confidence,  which,  when  not  offensive,  can  come  only  from  a  consciousness  of  know- 
ing the  mtitter  in  hand,  and  we  have  never  rea<l  a  medical  work  which  would  more  (juickly 
lead  ns  to  give  its  author  our  confidence  in  his  ministrations.  This  is  always  the  conse- 
(|iicnoe  of  honest  and  earnest  and  inclusive  scholarship,  and  this  author  is  entitled  to  his 
meed."— Dr.  S.  A.  Jones  in  American  Obserrer. 

WORCESTER,  DR.  S.  Repertory  to  the  Modalities.  In  their  Re- 
lations to  Temperature,  Air,  Water,  Winds,  Weather  and  Sea- 
sons. Based  mainly  upon  Hering's  C<>nden.scd  Materia  Medica,  with  ad- 
diti(»ns  from  Allen,  Lippe  and  Hale.  Compiled  and  arranged  by  Sa.muel 
Worcester,  M.D.,  Salem,  Mass.,  Lecturer  on  Insanity  and  its  Jurispru- 


16  F.    E.   150ERICKES 

dence  at  Boston  University  School  of  Medicine,  etc.,  etc.     1880.     160 
pages.     12mo.    Cloth, $1.2.5 

"This  Repertory  to  the  Modalilti's  is  indeed  a  most  useful  undertaking,  and  will,  witliout 
question,  be  a  material  aid  tn  mi.id  and  ^.lllnd  prescribing  where  there  ace  prominent  modal- 
ities. The  first  rliajiter  Irtats  ni  ilu-  sun  and  its  eflects,  both  beneficial  and  hurtl'ul,  and  we 
see  at  a  glance  that  xiriuiliinn  ,<;,rh  .  ,,,i'u.i,diwm,  conium  mac,  and  kali  bich.  are  likely  to  be 
useful  to  iKitiunts  wliii  like  lia^kiii:;  in  the  sun.  Xo  doubt  many  of  these  modalities  are 
more  or  l^-■^■^  lanriliil ;  slill  a  great  uuuiy  of  tliiu;  aic  real  and  of  vast  clinical  range. 

"Tlif  I k  i-  niirly  printed  nn  good  i)a|i.  !■,  ml  -imTi-ly  bound.     It  contains  160  pages. 

We  preclii  I  iliai  it  will  meet  with  a  steady,  hiii^-ionii 1  sale,  and  in  the  course  of  time  be 

foimd  on  llie  tallies  of  most  of  those  carefiil  ami  lonscientious  pre.scribers  who  admit 
the  philosophical  value  of  (for  instance)  lunar  aggravations,  effects  of  thunder-storms,  etc. 
And  wlio,  being  without  the  priggishness  of  mere  brute  science,  does  not?" — Homompathk 
World. 

\VORCESTER,  DR.  S.  Insanity  and  Its  Treatment.  Lectures  on 
the  Treatiucut  of  Insanity  ami  Kindred  Nervous  Diseases.  By  Samuel 
Worcester,  M.D.,  Salem,  j\lass.  Lecturer  on  Insanity,  Nervous  Dis- 
eases and   Dermatology,  at   Boston  University  School  of  Medicine,  etc., 

etc.     262  pages, _    .        .        S3.50 

Dr.  Worcester  was  for  a  number  of  years  assistant  physician  of  the  Butler 
Hospital  for  the  Insane,  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  was  appointed  shortly  after 
as  Lecturer  on  Insanity  and  Nervous  Diseases  to  the  Boston  University  School 
of  Medicine.  The  work,  comprising  nearly  five  hundred  pages,  will  be  wel- 
comed by  every  homoeopathic  practitioner,  for  every  physician  is  called  upon 
sooner  or  later  to  undertake  the  treatment  of  cases  of  insanity  among  his  pat- 
ron's families,  inasmuch  as  very  many  are  loth  to  deliver  any  afflicted  member 
to  a  public  institution  without  having  first  exhausted  all  means  within  their 
power  to  effect  a  cure,  and  the  family  physician  naturally  is  the  first  to  be  put 
in  charge  of  the  case.  It  is,  therefore,  of  paramount  importance  that  every 
homoeopathic  practitioner's  library  should  contain  such  an  indispensable  work. 
"The  basis  of  Dr.  Worcester's  work  was  a  course  of  lectures  delivered  before  the  senior 
students  of  the  Boston  University  School  of  Medicine.  As  now  presented  with  some  alter- 
ations and  additions,  it  makes  a  very  e.xcellent  text-book  for  students  and  practitioners. 
Dr.  Worcester  lias  drawn  very  largely  upon  standard  authorities  and  his  own  experience, 
wliich  luis  not  been  small.  In  the  direction  of  homoeopathic  treatment,  he  has  received 
valuable  a.ssistance  from  Drs.  Talcott  and  Butler,  of  the  New  York  State  Asylum.  It  is 
not,  nor  does  it  pretend  to  be,  an  exhaustive  work;  but  as  a  well-digested  summary  of  our 
present  knowledge  of  insanity,  we  feel  sure  that  it  will  give  satisfaction.  We  cordially 
recommend  it." — yew  England  Medical  Oazette. 


RETURN    BIOSCIENCE  &  NATURAL  RESOURCES  LIBRARY 
LOAN  PERIOD  l' 


ONEMOMIii 


i 


ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 
pi  IF  Afi  STAMPED  below' 


k 


FORM  NO,  DDO,  50m,  1 1  /94 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFORNIA,  BERKELEY 
BERKELEY,  CA  94720 


92;S804 


Ry^^- 


'"^    III  *.' 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


